Agricultural Field (Gardening) Volunteer - Gibside Community Farm

Gibside Community Farm produces locally grown and seasonal vegetables and fruit for the local community.

We are looking for volunteers who enjoy physical activities associated with agricultural farming e.g. digging, planting, weeding and harvesting.  Most jobs are done as part of a team so that there is variety within a given task, and also companionship.

We aim to show how carbon footprints can be reduced by taking action, thereby helping to address the climate crisis.  Organic methods of farming that we use include our ‘lasagna’ method of planting to help suppress weeds.  We don’t use insecticides or herbicides, e.g. separating out dock weeds to make a ‘tea’ that is used as an organic fertilizer.  Optional training with farm machinery e.g. power harrow.

Each working day has a designated Team Leader and Deputy who liaise with the Field Director on the jobs for the day.

• Weekly newsletter informs all members of Gibside Community Farm of what’s happening on the field, social events, meetings etc.
• WhatsApp group for each working day to share info about whose coming that day, give lifts if appropriate etc.
• Main Gibside Community Farm WhatsApp group to record what is done at the field each day.

Everyone is a volunteer apart from the part-time grower who has specialist knowledge and experience in small scale farming.

We are a membership organisation and everyone who volunteers on a regular basis or buys produce from GCF is a member.  There is an annual membership fee of £10 although there are exemptions, so please ask for further information.  There is no charge to volunteer!