HELP out AROUND THE FARM!

Spitalfields City Farm was originally set up by volunteers in 1978 and we still rely on volunteers today to help maintain the farm and gardens, look after the animals and assist in delivering projects. In short, without volunteers there would be no farm. At Spitalfields City Farm we work with a vibrant and multicultural community to provide voluntary and educational opportunities to empower people to gain new skills, knowledge, confidence and experience. We offer a number of voluntary opportunities outlined below. It’s easy to sign up and we hope to see you soon!

For employee volunteering and corporate team building, please see our dedicated Team Challenges page.

VOLUNTEER's SCHEDULe

Volunteers OVER 18 years.

Volunteering sessions run Monday to Saturday | Full day: 10.00am – 4.00pm. Half day: 10.00am-1.00pm/1.00pm-4.00pm.

Please note, our individual volunteers are encouraged to attend regularly and commit to 6 months of volunteering.

Outdoor Education Volunteer

We are not currently recruiting volunteers or processing new applications. Please check back in with us in 2025.

We celebrate our ability to provide children and young people access to nature. Our education programme is designed to enhance curriculum learning, bringing lessons around food, animals and the natural world to life. You will work alongside the education team supporting them to deliver tours, workshops and holiday activities.

This role is varied and will give you the opportunity to learn about all aspects of the Farm while developing skills for working with children and young people through hands on practical experience. Please note this role will require an enhanced DBS check.

To sign up please read the Outdoor Education Volunteer specification below and request an application form via volunteer@spitalfieldscityfarm.org or visit the farm in person.

Garden and Growth VOLUNTEER

ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS!

Volunteers are involved in all aspects of cultivating the vegetable gardens. We have space to grow food, learn about practical horticulture and sustainable growing methods. We hold gardening sessions daily.

We are currently recruiting for Garden and Growth volunteers from the Tower Hamlets and Hackney Boroughs. Particularly for Thursdays and Fridays. To sign up please read the Garden and Growth specification below and request an application form via volunteer@spitalfieldscityfarm.org or visit the Farm in person.

আবেদনপত্র বাংলায় পাওয়া যায়।

Coriander Club (Female only)

Founded in 2000 and led by our resident gardening expert Lutfun, The Coriander Club is a female only group session on Tuesday mornings from 10am. This session is in English and Bengali; speciality produce is grown including Naga chili, Kodu and Aramanth. The club provides a regular opportunity to socialise with other women, while learning to grow vegetables and how to cook them.

To sign up please read the Garden and Growth role description below and request an application form via volunteer@spitalfieldscityfarm.org or visit the Farm in person. আবেদনপত্র বাংলায় পাওয়া যায়।

Maintenance and Site Development volunteer

ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS!

Volunteers help us maintain the Farm. We need support with a wide range of tasks including painting, perimeter repairs to keep our animals safe, preparation and development of new areas of the Farm. You will work alongside our team and learn about practical tool use, design and general farm management.

We are looking for an individual who is available on a Monday or Tuesday with an interest and basic experience in DIY. Please see role description for what can be expected from this role and request an application form via volunteer@spitalfieldscityfarm.org or visit the Farm in person.

Farmyard and Animal Care Volunteer

We are not currently recruiting volunteers or processing new applications. Please check back in with us in 2025.

Volunteers are essential for the running of our farmyard. We need support with feeding, mucking out and tending to our animals behaviour and healthcare needs. As a Farmyard and Animal Care volunteer you will work alongside our team and learn about best practice animal welfare and farmyard management.

If you are interested in helping us to care for our beloved animals, please read the Farmyard and Animal Care role description and request an application form via volunteer@spitalfieldscityfarm.org or visit the Farm in person.

Employee TEAM BUILDING

Looking for group volunteer days for your organisation? Please see our dedicated Team Challenges page.

Please note, we do not provide one-off volunteer sessions for individual employees.

For further information, please contact the Volunteer and Community Outreach manager: volunteer@spitalfieldscityfarm.org,
020 7247 8762, or visit the Farm in person, Tuesday - Sunday 10:00-16:00.

We may close applications early if we fill the posts, so do apply as soon as you can.

For other ‘green jobs’ see environmentjob.co.uk

For other food growing related jobs see www.rootstowork.org

For more local opportunities see Volunteer Centre Tower Hamlets www.vcth.org.uk

For other roles in the Charity Sector see www.charityjob.co.uk

VOLUNTEERING Photos

Click on photos to view them in full!

Meet our Volunteers

Name: Sheila

Role: Farmyard and Garden Volunteer.

How long have you been volunteering with Spitalfields City Farm and why did you start?

I’ve been volunteering for just over 2 years, following taking early retirement from working for The City of London.

What do you enjoy most about volunteering at the Farm?

I like being outside and seeing the seasons change. Even Winter has charm on the Farm.

What have you learnt while volunteering at the farm?

I’m not the most practical person, so it’s been interesting to learn more about the animals being looked after in the farmyard. For example, how to keep them cool in this hot weather. On the gardening side, I’ve just completed a City & Guilds Organic Gardening course, and enjoy being able to apply a little more knowledge.

Do you have a favourite animal and why?

How can I choose? They are all adorable, but Holmes does greet me every time I see him.

What do you recommend that other people try at the Farm?

There’s always jobs that needs doing on the farm. Tasks often alter due to the seasons, so you’re never bored. It’s also a good thing to push yourself outside of your comfort zone now and then by learning new things.

Is there anything you would like to see more of?

More information about the history of the Farm would be fascinating.

What three words would you use to describe the farm?

Captivating, inclusive, unpredictable.