On Saturday 12th May, Herts & Essex Community Farm will be hosting an Open Day at the Fold Croft site for all visitors interested to learn about what the farm does and for those interested in volunteering to pop in, have a cuppa and a chat with existing volunteers.
The Open Day will run from 11am until 4pm and there will be a range of gardening activities to join in with including planting, watering and weeding, plus some of the farm volunteers will be leading tours and talks around the farm. There will also be a plant sale, craft activities for children and refreshments on offer.
Previously the owners of the farm would get in touch with a service similar to trugreen in order to help with any heavy duty lawn maintenance, however, they found that it was a great way to introduce the farm to the rest of the community. The organisation is looking for new volunteers of all abilities, skills, and ages with no specific time commitments required. Elliot Wollen, chair of the farm states, “all that is needed is an enthusiasm for growing and working outdoors. The farm is a great place to learn new skills, brush up on your social skills and improve your mental wellbeing”. Volunteers are rewarded for their time with a share of the crop grown at the site.
The Open Day is a great opportunity for any potential new volunteers or any interested visitors to have a further chat with those who run the volunteer days, and observe first hand some of the activities which take place.
Volunteer days typically run each Saturday, Sunday and Wednesday 10am-2pm, and on Thursday evenings in summer from 4-8pm. A communal meal is always shared amongst volunteers and attendance is not compulsory – any volunteer can attend as frequently or as little as they wish.
