Volunteering in Hackney's Parks and Green Spaces
Getting involved in your local green space is a great way to breathe fresh air, get exercise and meet new people. There are a whole range of projects taking place in Hackney's parks that you can get involved in, such as food growing groups, physical activities, gardening, and nature sessions.
Regular Opportunities
Abney Park
The Abney Park Trust runs weekly practical outdoor tasks where you can get involved with conservation, gardening and tree care. Contact abney-park@geo2.poptel.org.uk to find out more.
Clapton Square User Group
First Sunday of the month 11am-12pm
A friendly group who meet on the first Sunday of the month at Clapton Square (hyperlink to http://www.hackney.gov.uk/clapton-square.htm) for light gardening, discussions, tea and cakes. New members always welcome. Contact Neil Burgess (chair) on neil@nbpictures.com for more information.
Friends of Homerton Station
Friends of Homerton Station is a registered charity set up by local people to plant wildflower meadows at the station. The group run a series of volunteer activities throughout the year.
Growing Communities - Springfield Park, Clissold Park and Allen's Gardens
Get involved with organic growing with social enterprise Growing Communities
Regular sessions take place on -
Mondays, 10am - 4pm at Allen's Gardens
Tuesdays, 10am - 4pm at Springfield Park
Thursdays, 10am - 4pm at Clissold Park
First Sunday of each month 10am - 4pm at Springfield Park
You'll need to attend an introductory session first so check their website or email growcomm@growingcommunities.org to find out more.
Hackney Tree Nursery and Edible Forest Garden, Hackney Marshes
Every Tuesday 9am-12pm in summer and 11am-2pm in winter
Every Friday 9am-12pm
Volunteer sessions run by the Hackney Marshes User Group at the Tree Nursery and Edible Forest Garden on Hackney Marshes. Activities include food growing using permaculture principles and raising trees.
Robin Hood Community Garden
Every Thursday, 10am-1pm
Every Sunday
Weekly gardening sessions and work days in the award winning Robin Hood Community Garden
Tree Musketeers
The Tree Musketeers are volunteers who plant, protect and help preserve trees in Hackney. Check their website for details of tree care and watering sessions as well as guided walks in a number of Hackney's parks.
Other Opportunities
London Wildlife Trust
London Wildlife Trust is looking for Practical Wildlife Volunteers, Community Outreach Volunteers and a Volunteer Education Assistant at the East Reservoir Community Garden in Hackney.
Hackney Council
Hackney's Biodiversity Officer is looking for volunteers to get involved with habitat and species surveys, site assessments and other biodiversity projects. Contact kate.mitchell@hackney.gov.uk to find out more.
Changing Places
The London 2012 'Changing Places' programme encourages volunteers to get out and transform their local area - improving the negative parts, celebrating the good. Visit their website for details of volunteering opportunities and events.
User Groups
There are currently 23 active park user groups in Hackney. These groups contribute significantly to parks and green spaces in Hackney through the voluntary activity of members who feel strongly about the care and improvement of Hackney's green spaces. The Hackney Parks Forum acts as an umbrella body for these groups and works closely with the Council.
Corporate Volunteering
Hackney Council sometimes host corporate volunteers in our parks. If you are interested in hosting a corporate volunteering event in Hackney, please contact sam.parry@hackney.gov.uk.
Page updated: 3 Jan 2012
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