Garden Project Volunteer

Volunteers needed to help maintain the two acre site. Maintenance includes, pruning, preparing the soil, sowing, planting, weeding, mowing the grass and picking the crops. The site includes raised beds and a polytunnel. We manage the site on a sustainable basis, using no weedkillers and promoting areas for wildlife.

This means a variety of jobs are available to suit all abilities and preferences. Even those with restricted mobility.

There is the chance to specialise in a particular area e.g. soft fruit or flowers or you can just join in with any of the activities. Volunteers need no special skills or qualifications although anyone with RHS or forestry school qualifications is welcome.

Volunteers will work in a team of volunteers and can choose what they work on. Each session includes time to drink tea and socialise with other volunteers and we also run a number of social events for the volunteers.

We provide all the tools, including gardening gloves and volunteer uniform.

The Five a Day site is in the village of Englefield opposite the Englefield Garden Centre. The main village road is off the A340 heading from the A4 to Pangbourne, about a kilometre from the A4 roundabout. Alternatively, you can travel by train to Theale station and walk for 2.5 kilometres.

About Five A Day Garden

Five a Day Garden is a registered charity with a focus on horticultural therapy. We are situated in the tranquil hamlet of Englefield, approximately seven miles west of Reading, Berkshire north of Theale.

Volunteers look after the garden where we grow flowers, fruit and vegetables which are sold locally. Five a Day Garden runs a variety of one off workshops, courses and projects throughout the year. This productive and beautiful garden provides a perfect environment for school children, adult learners and older people to take part in organised educational sessions. In addition we offer popular workshops such as wreath making, offer corporate team building days, activities for after school clubs and talks to local groups.

We are strongly committed to working with the local community. We want to promote the benefits of community and outdoor education, and help people of all ages and abilities to achieve their potential in a relaxed and creative environment.

The site is a particularly beautiful and quiet spot. Everyone who visits feels the benefits of this place whether you're a child from an urban area, a stressed corporate employee or a volunteer.

What skills do I need?

No skills or qualifications needed only that you enjoy the out of doors, want to create a therapeutic space and have a view on who should win Strictly that week. Oh and enjoy a cuppa.

When is this role available?

	Morning	Afternoon	Evening
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday

Details

There is flexibility to suit all. Our gardening sessions run every weekday morning except Monday and are usually 3 hours (9:30-12:30). Volunteers usually choose a specific morning to attend but there is the option to come on a different days e,g alternating on a Wednesday and Friday. There is also no requirement to attend every week. We also have some volunteers who start later or leave earlier due to commitments.

Where does this role take place?