Volunteer with us
Food and horticulture volunteering opportunities at the Wolves Lane Centre provide you with the chance to spend time with nature, have fun, get active, share your knowledge and meet new people!
All volunteers at the Wolves Lane Centre will have an induction prior to them starting as a volunteer.
Complete the application form and start volunteering with us!
*If you previously volunteered at the Wolves Lane Centre and would like to resume volunteering please complete the application.
Once you have registered, you will be asked to attend an induction. Inductions are held monthly on the last Tuesday and Thursday at 1.30pm - 2.30pm and the last Sunday at 3pm - 4pm.
If you have any trouble signing up, please come along to one of the induction times and we can help with your registration then and there.
You can also register to volunteer with Black Rootz. Black Rootz are the first multigenerational Black-led growing project in the UK, where the older generation share their expertise on growing whilst also supporting youth engagement in their surrounding natural environment.
Current Volunteering Opportunities
Wolves Lane Centre Grower
Be part of a team working to grow produce in one of our glasshouses and help propagate plants from our Palm House, contributing towards our weekly cafe, volunteer meals, local produce sales and our shop.
Suitable for both experienced food growers and people with little to no food growing experience alike. Sow seeds, look after crops and support with harvesting.
Maintenance and repairs
If you are handy with a hammer or smart with a screwdriver then this one is for you! We are looking for a team of volunteers who are happy to lift, shift and get their hands dirty with some manual labour.
We will be fixing anything on site that is broken and clearing rubbish and overgrown brambles in a bid to make the site safer and smarter for all.
Who would it be suitable for?
Someone full of energy who loves to see transformation and improvement. Someone who is looking to become more active. Previous building and or DIY experience is desirable but not essential.
Cooking assistant
Assist our chef in the preparation of simple and nutritious plant based meals, from fresh produce grown on site or donated food waste. The role includes: preparation and cooking of ingredients, overseeing packing as well as clearing and washing up.
We are looking for someone with cooking experience ideally with a level 2 food hygiene qualification or with cooking experience and willing to undertake level 2 food hygiene on line training. A love of food and cooking and enthusiasm to be creative with seasonal ingredients and the ability to work with others as part of a small team.
It’s a great way to get a feeling for what’s in season and liaise with the growers on site. It will support moves you might want to make into employment in the catering industry. A nutritious take away lunch freshly prepped and cooked.
Black Rootz Grower
Care for edible plants, herbs and flowers, in particular tropical produce. Weeding, watering, pruning, shifting heavy materials, propagation. Working both outside and in glasshouse and polytunnels.
Who would it be suitable for?
Keen gardeners, those interested in food growing or have some expertise looking after indigenous produce. Also, anyone who's good at admin and social media.
Skilled gardeners used to growing for harvest– expertise on certain crops, can propagate cuttings, identify and deal with pests and manage weeds.
Someone with interest and expertise in growing tropical crops. Suitable for someone who wants to do some heavy manual activities.
This is an outdoor volunteering opportunity, you will need to have your own suitable outdoor clothing and footwear.
Ottolenghi Kitchen Garden Grower
Volunteers help out with the day-to-day tasks involved in growing vegetables for Rovi and the Ottolenghi Delis. Tasks range from sowing seeds to harvesting and include all the weeding, mulching and watering in between.
Shop Volunteer
Volunteering at our garden centre shop involves helping customers find plants, tools, and garden accessories. You'll assist with plant displays, restocking, and answering inquiries.
It's a great way to develop customer service skills in a friendly, nature-inspired setting. You'll also learn more about horticulture and connect with fellow garden enthusiasts.
Whether you're passionate about gardening or just enjoy being outdoors, volunteering here offers a rewarding experience. Join us and help bring the joy of gardening to our community!
Current Volunteering Schedule
Monday
Growing with Max for the Wolves Lane Centre, 10am - 1pm.
Tuesday
Join the Palm House Crew, 10am - 1pm.
Growing Food With Max for the Ottolenghi restaurants, 10am - 1pm. Growing Food With Ella for the Wolves Lane Centre, 10am - 1pm.
Site Maintenance with Elki, 10am - 1pm.
Wednesday
Growing Food with Ella for the Wolves Lane Centre (either at the centre or at our Pasteur Gardens site).
Thursday
Growing Food for Black Rootz, 10am - 5pm (Volunteer lunch provided).
Growing with Max for the Wolves Lane Centre, 10am - 5pm
Friday
Carers Gardening Club with Max, every other Friday morning.
Bees & Buds (Under 5's drop-in session), 10am - 11:30am.
Volunteer in our Cafe/Shop, 10am - 3pm.
Independent growing across site, 10am - 3pm.
Sunday
Volunteer in our Cafe/Shop, 10am - 3pm.
Independent growing across site, 10am - 3pm.