Volunteer gardening
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Sign up to be a volunteer park gardener at Myatt's Fields Park.
You'll learn horticulture and gardening skills, while making the park look beautiful. And get a free tea, coffee or soft drink from The Little Cat Cafe – and 10% off food on the day you volunteer. Find out more in our FAQs below. You'll receive training and supervision from our staff, Tony and Taye. Do as much or as little as you like. Wednesdays and Fridays, 9.30am till noon (when we aren't in lockdown). |
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How to sign upWe've made it easy. No forms or documents to print out.
Thank you for helping our community park. |
Volunteer gardening FAQs
1. Why do we need volunteer gardeners in the park?
The pandemic has delayed a lot of work that we need to crack on with.
Between March and May our gardening staff were furloughed. Some staff have been shielding against the virus. Much of the routine gardening work, due to take place, hasn’t been done.
Park staff returned in June. They're working valiantly to catch up, but there's still so much to do. That's why we need your help.
2. What work will I be doing?
During the summer you'll be weeding and mulching overgrown flower beds and shrubberies – and watering new plants.
As the seasons turn we might prepare areas for wildflower or annual seed sowing, planting, laying turf, or propagating plants.
Tony and Taye our gardeners will guide you through any gardening techniques required. Complete beginners are very welcome, but keen gardeners would also be much appreciated of course.
3. What equipment and refreshments will we provide you with?
Our gardening staff will provide you with any gardening tools you need.
We'll sanitise these tools before handing them over to you. Each session, we'll also provide you with:
Volunteers don't have to wear a face mask outside as long as they are 2m apart from other park users.
Our staff will wear face masks throughout.
Gel sanitiser and sanitising wipes will be available at the work location, the park depot and at the Little Cat Café.
Consider wearing stout footwear such as work boots (steel toecaps are not necessary), and long trousers.
If you have a favourite pair of gardening gloves, please bring these too – although we will provide gloves if not.
You can have one free hot or cold drink from Little Cat Café each session – plus 20% off any food or further drinks on the day.
4. What do I need to do before I start?
Complete the online application form, which involves agreeing to our terms and conditions.
Read how to lift safely.
Tony, our horticultural manager, will contact you after your application has been processed.
He will talk you through our health and safety protocol and advise you what to do next when you want to start in the park.
You will be given his mobile number, and on the days you’d like to help out, you will need to contact him on arrival at Myatt’s to be guided to the work location that day.
Tony will induct you on site, provide what you need and get you going on gardening. Induction guide.
We recommend that you join the Park Gardeners WhatsApp group to support each other.
5. When will I garden?
You will be able to garden when our gardening staff, Tony and Taye, are working in the park:
● Every Wednesday between 9.30am and noon – working until 2.00pm;.
● Every Friday between 9.30am and noon – working until 2.00pm.
The sessions are drop-in so you can attend whenever and for as long as you like between the above hours.
You must commit to at least 1 hour each session – any more is down to you.
If you need to leave early, or arrive later, that’s fine – we appreciate anytime you can spare.
6. How will I keep safe from coronavirus?
We are very aware of Covid-19 risks at Myatt’s Fields Park and we have been very carefully following government and WHO guidelines throughout.
We have also been monitoring park visitor behaviour – in terms of compliance with health guidance. We ask all volunteer park gardeners to follow our Coronavirus Guide to minimise the risk to themselves and others.
While gardening at the park, make sure you:
If the park’s toilets are closed, you can use a hand-sanitiser dispenser next to the Park Depot offices and at The Little Cat Café.
7. What if I feel ill or have been in contact with someone who feels ill?
Don’t come to the park if you, or anyone you have been in contact with, has any of these symptoms:
Stay at home for 14 days and follow the latest guidance. And please inform the Park Manager on 07483346680.
8. What if I see any problems in the Park?
Please phone the Park Office on 020 7737 6097.
We recommend that you join the Litter Legends WhatsApp group to support each other. Please contact the Park Manager to be added to the group.
9. If I find any hazardous litter, what should I do?
Hazardous waste includes needles, dog poo, broken glass and chemicals – or anything you’re unsure about.
Never handle hazardous waste. Please report it to the park office (020 7737 6097) or Park Manager (07483346680).
10. What if I find a needle?
It would be a rare occurrence in our park. But if you find one, report it to the park manager on 07483346680.
11. What if someone asks me a question I don’t know the answer to?
Please refer them to our supervising staff or our website (www.myattsfieldspark.info). Or ask them to email the manager ([email protected]).
If they want to volunteer, that’s great. Please thank and ask them to email us (h[email protected]).
12. What should I do if I feel unsafe?
If you encounter any anti-social or aggressive behaviour – don’t engage. Walk away and make yourself safe.
When you are safe, call the emergency services (999) if you think someone is in danger.
Please report any disturbance to the Park Manager on 07483346680.
13. Will we garden all year?
The Park is quieter in the winter but there is always something to do. Summer work is mainly weeding and watering; winter work might include pruning, clearing and new planting.
14. How do I get free drinks?
A member of staff will accompany you to The Little Cat Cafe. While you are in the park volunteering, you can get free tea, coffee and can soft drinks.
15. Anything else I need to know?
Work within your own limits at a speed that’s comfortable for you. And only carry the weight of bag you can manage.
It’s not a race. We really appreciate anything you’re able to clear for us.
Please help to look after each other on your shifts.
Thank you so much for your amazing support!
The pandemic has delayed a lot of work that we need to crack on with.
Between March and May our gardening staff were furloughed. Some staff have been shielding against the virus. Much of the routine gardening work, due to take place, hasn’t been done.
Park staff returned in June. They're working valiantly to catch up, but there's still so much to do. That's why we need your help.
2. What work will I be doing?
- Working on the park beds
- Planting, weeding and watering
- Managing wildlife habitats
During the summer you'll be weeding and mulching overgrown flower beds and shrubberies – and watering new plants.
As the seasons turn we might prepare areas for wildflower or annual seed sowing, planting, laying turf, or propagating plants.
Tony and Taye our gardeners will guide you through any gardening techniques required. Complete beginners are very welcome, but keen gardeners would also be much appreciated of course.
3. What equipment and refreshments will we provide you with?
Our gardening staff will provide you with any gardening tools you need.
We'll sanitise these tools before handing them over to you. Each session, we'll also provide you with:
- A pair of disposable gloves (optional).
- A pair of gardening gloves.
- A hi-vis jacket.
- A face mask (optional when outside).
Volunteers don't have to wear a face mask outside as long as they are 2m apart from other park users.
Our staff will wear face masks throughout.
Gel sanitiser and sanitising wipes will be available at the work location, the park depot and at the Little Cat Café.
Consider wearing stout footwear such as work boots (steel toecaps are not necessary), and long trousers.
If you have a favourite pair of gardening gloves, please bring these too – although we will provide gloves if not.
You can have one free hot or cold drink from Little Cat Café each session – plus 20% off any food or further drinks on the day.
4. What do I need to do before I start?
Complete the online application form, which involves agreeing to our terms and conditions.
Read how to lift safely.
Tony, our horticultural manager, will contact you after your application has been processed.
He will talk you through our health and safety protocol and advise you what to do next when you want to start in the park.
You will be given his mobile number, and on the days you’d like to help out, you will need to contact him on arrival at Myatt’s to be guided to the work location that day.
Tony will induct you on site, provide what you need and get you going on gardening. Induction guide.
We recommend that you join the Park Gardeners WhatsApp group to support each other.
5. When will I garden?
You will be able to garden when our gardening staff, Tony and Taye, are working in the park:
● Every Wednesday between 9.30am and noon – working until 2.00pm;.
● Every Friday between 9.30am and noon – working until 2.00pm.
The sessions are drop-in so you can attend whenever and for as long as you like between the above hours.
You must commit to at least 1 hour each session – any more is down to you.
If you need to leave early, or arrive later, that’s fine – we appreciate anytime you can spare.
6. How will I keep safe from coronavirus?
We are very aware of Covid-19 risks at Myatt’s Fields Park and we have been very carefully following government and WHO guidelines throughout.
We have also been monitoring park visitor behaviour – in terms of compliance with health guidance. We ask all volunteer park gardeners to follow our Coronavirus Guide to minimise the risk to themselves and others.
While gardening at the park, make sure you:
- Wear the gloves and mask we provide you with.
- Come to the park wearing your own face covering.
- Keep 2 metres apart from all other park users.
Avoid gardening in spaces where you can’t achieve this. - Use hand sanitiser as soon as you remove your gloves.
- Avoid touching your face.
If the park’s toilets are closed, you can use a hand-sanitiser dispenser next to the Park Depot offices and at The Little Cat Café.
7. What if I feel ill or have been in contact with someone who feels ill?
Don’t come to the park if you, or anyone you have been in contact with, has any of these symptoms:
- a high temperature (above 37.8°C)
- a new, continuous cough
- a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste
Stay at home for 14 days and follow the latest guidance. And please inform the Park Manager on 07483346680.
8. What if I see any problems in the Park?
Please phone the Park Office on 020 7737 6097.
We recommend that you join the Litter Legends WhatsApp group to support each other. Please contact the Park Manager to be added to the group.
9. If I find any hazardous litter, what should I do?
Hazardous waste includes needles, dog poo, broken glass and chemicals – or anything you’re unsure about.
Never handle hazardous waste. Please report it to the park office (020 7737 6097) or Park Manager (07483346680).
10. What if I find a needle?
It would be a rare occurrence in our park. But if you find one, report it to the park manager on 07483346680.
11. What if someone asks me a question I don’t know the answer to?
Please refer them to our supervising staff or our website (www.myattsfieldspark.info). Or ask them to email the manager ([email protected]).
If they want to volunteer, that’s great. Please thank and ask them to email us (h[email protected]).
12. What should I do if I feel unsafe?
If you encounter any anti-social or aggressive behaviour – don’t engage. Walk away and make yourself safe.
When you are safe, call the emergency services (999) if you think someone is in danger.
Please report any disturbance to the Park Manager on 07483346680.
13. Will we garden all year?
The Park is quieter in the winter but there is always something to do. Summer work is mainly weeding and watering; winter work might include pruning, clearing and new planting.
14. How do I get free drinks?
A member of staff will accompany you to The Little Cat Cafe. While you are in the park volunteering, you can get free tea, coffee and can soft drinks.
15. Anything else I need to know?
Work within your own limits at a speed that’s comfortable for you. And only carry the weight of bag you can manage.
It’s not a race. We really appreciate anything you’re able to clear for us.
Please help to look after each other on your shifts.
Thank you so much for your amazing support!
© Myatt's Field Park Project