Location

• Tue 3 Jun 2025, 10:00am-3:00pm

Sorry, opportunity full

There will be a range of tasks on each volunteer day, this will include doing both physical work such as barrowing compost, prepping beds, and weeding as well as more technical tasks such as propagation, planting, pruning and harvesting. 

We consider it an educational session and volunteers should expect to go home with some new skills they could use in their own gardens, and we encourage both people with a horticultural interest and people who have never done any gardening before to attend. 

The work changes seasonally, and volunteers in the autumn and winter should expect to do more physical and structural work on the site, whereas summer jobs tend to be more focused around plant care and weed management. 

There are opportunities to work as a group or individually, the tasks are planned ahead of time and there will be options to choose from based on participants interest and ability. 

Ideal volunteers are those who can work flexibly depending on what needs doing that week. The work changes every week and our aim is to be growing a productive garden on a commercial scale, this means that while we are as flexible as we can be, what needs doing is dictated by the crops, so although there will always be different tasks to choose from, there will be more range some weeks than others. 

The work can be tiring and messy, so volunteers who are willing to get stuck in and wear appropriate clothes that they don't mind getting muddy are encouraged, and the ability to work in a team is also valuable. 

People who have in interest in gardening, food production and systems and local ecology will have a rich experience and hopefully leave the session with some new skills and insights into our local food system and the ways that food growing and nature are connected.

We do not expect volunteers to have gardening experience and tuition on all tasks will be provided.

Working co-operatively with local agroecological small scale farmers and growers, we are part of a global movement - a network of small-scale, sustainable food growing projects. 

It all began in October 2008 when 50 people met to discuss the failings of our current food supply in Norwich. Norwich FarmShare was launched two years later and we began growing food for our members on a piece of land in Postwick.

Over these last 12 years some 650 Norwich residents have been part of our growing community - learning about ecologically sensitive farming methods, enjoying and celebrating local seasonal food, and sharing knowledge and expertise.  

Volunteers are part of this mission and community and by supporting us on the farm it is hoped that not only will you hope connect Norwich communities back to seasons and land but also be inspired yourselves to celebrate local food

Clothing

People should wear clothes that they don't mind getting muddy and shoes suitable for mud as well - trainers are ok, walking boots are better or wellies if it is really wet. Raincoats and waterproof trousers are suggested but we do have some spare in case anyone doesn't have them - we have very little covered space so it essential that people are happy to be outside whatever the weather. As it warms up suncream and hats are a must.

Food and Drink

We have tea and coffee making facilities on site, but we ask that volunteers provide their own food and sustenance for the day. 

As we have limited parking at the site we request that Aviva volunteers use active transport where feasible. 

We understand that active transport is not realistic for all volunteers so for those driving please offer lifts to fellow volunteers to reduce the number of cars on site.

From Norwich, head south-east out of the city along Bracondale, and turn left into Whitlingham Lane.

Follow this road all the way along past Whitlingham Broad and under the A47.

Just after this, at the barns, take a right turn and the site will be on your left after the potholes(!)

We would recommend  cycling to those who can as it is a beautiful ride down Whitlingham lane!

At out site there is drinking water and a composting toilet. We provide tea and coffee and biscuits but volunteers are expected to being their own packed lunch. 

The farmshare site is a working space and the work involved is physical. 

Volunteers are expected to work at a pace which suits them, and there will be a range of different tasks on volunteer days to suit different abilities and needs, there will be opportunities to change task throughout the day so participants don't get bored or worn out. A lot of the tasks will involve bending down, lifting moderately heavy items and using tools. Instruction of proper tool use and health and safety on site will be given. 

We are very happy for people to get in touch with us to discuss their access needs further, send us an email at [email protected]

Tasks will include weeding beds, mulching beds, creating paths, digging out nettles, making compost, planting beds and propagation, and will change depending on the season. There will be a variety of tasks to suit different abilities but people should expect a relatively physical day. People will have the option to change what task they are doing throughout the day to keep it interesting and to change between physical tasks and gentler ones