Cianna’s Smile is a registered charity based in Reading, supporting children and families impacted by Sickle Cell across Buckinghamshire/Berkshire and the UK.
What We Do:
Our programmes are vibrant, ...
Allotment & Gardening Volunteer
Practical details
Volunteering • Project role (Temporary)
Contact person
Taryn C
#121724
Scan me or visit www.volunteerbucks.org.uk/o/Ciannas-Smile/opportunities/Allotment--Gardening-Volunteer/121724 to join
Help transform our community allotment! Volunteers needed for gardening, planting and site improvements.
Location
Bulmershe Allotments, Reading.
About the opportunity
Cianna’s Smile Charity is developing its allotment space at Bulmershe Allotments in Reading to create a welcoming outdoor environment that can support community activities, gardening projects and future youth clubs.
We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers who enjoy gardening, spending time outdoors and helping develop a shared community space.
We welcome experienced gardeners, beginners who want to learn, students and groups looking for a practical volunteering opportunity in a green space. This is a great opportunity to work as part of a team, develop practical skills and make a lasting contribution to the local community.
Purpose
Join us as an Allotment and Gardening Volunteer to help develop, improve and maintain our community allotment space. Your contribution will help prepare the area for planting, community activities, group sessions and future youth gardening projects.
Volunteers will take part in practical outdoor tasks, share ideas for improving the space and help create an environment where people can enjoy gardening, learn new skills and connect with nature.
Volunteers interested in working with young people may also have opportunities to support gardening sessions and outdoor activities, subject to appropriate supervision and safeguarding arrangements.
The role and volunteer tasks
Volunteers will work together to prepare the allotment, improve growing areas and maintain the site. Tasks may include:
- Ground preparation: Clear weeds and overgrown vegetation, level the ground and prepare areas for planting and future activities.
- Garden waste management: Collect and dispose of garden waste appropriately.
- Weed membrane installation: Lay weed membrane across prepared areas and secure it with pegs.
- Planter assembly: Assemble and position planters in suitable locations.
- Soil and compost preparation: Add compost and topsoil to planters to prepare them for planting.
- Gardening and planting: Support planting, watering, weeding, pruning and other seasonal gardening tasks.
- Plant maintenance: Help care for existing plants and maintain growing areas.
- Fencing and site set-up: Assist with installing fencing and other site improvements, if time allows.
- General maintenance: Keep the allotment tidy, safe and organised.
- Space development: Help prepare areas for youth clubs, community sessions and group activities.
- Practical projects: Contribute to agreed improvements, including organising growing areas and maintaining gardening equipment.
- Outdoor activities: Share ideas for gardening projects, nature-based activities and opportunities for young people to learn outdoors.
- Youth engagement: Volunteers interested in supporting young people may assist with gardening sessions and outdoor activities under appropriate supervision and safeguarding arrangements.
- Teamwork and group volunteering: Work collaboratively with charity representatives, individual volunteers, students and community groups to complete tasks and develop the space.
Who we are looking for
We welcome volunteers who:
- Enjoy being outdoors and are willing to undertake practical tasks.
- Are friendly, reliable and happy to work as part of a team.
- Have an interest in gardening, nature, sustainability or community projects.
- Are willing to learn and contribute ideas to the development of the allotment.
- Can follow basic health and safety guidance when using tools and equipment.
- Are happy to help with general maintenance and seasonal gardening activities.
Gardening experience is welcome but not essential. We are particularly keen to hear from regular gardeners who can help with ongoing maintenance, as well as students and community groups looking for a shared volunteering experience.
What to bring
Please come prepared for outdoor work by bringing:
- Comfortable outdoor clothing suitable for gardening and practical tasks.
- Sturdy footwear.
- Gardening gloves, if available.
- Sun protection for warm or sunny weather.
- Waterproof clothing as required by the weather.
Please note that this role involves outdoor work and may require standing, bending, lifting light materials and working in changeable weather. Tasks can be agreed according to the nature of the activity and individual capabilities.
All volunteers should follow relevant health and safety guidance when working with tools, equipment and gardening materials.
Refreshments
Drinks and light snacks will be provided during the volunteering session.
We aim to create a friendly and welcoming environment where volunteers can work together, learn from one another and enjoy contributing to the project.
Related to
About Cianna's Smile
Cianna’s Smile is a registered charity based in Reading, supporting children and families impacted by Sickle Cell across Buckinghamshire/Berkshire and the UK.
What We Do:
Our programmes are vibrant, inclusive, and full of energy. We support children, young people and their families through:
Online Youth Entrepreneur Club – Inspiring 8–16 year olds to explore skills in digital marketing, podcasting, cooking, and more.
Create & Connect Club – A safe space for children with Sickle Cell to enjoy workshops inspired by art, music, and nature.
Art Club: Drop-In Sessions – For young adults aged 18–25 living with a health condition to express themselves through themed art activities.
Young Adult Walks – Friendly walks around Reading town centre, followed by snacks and a chat back at our office.
Other Free Community Events include family fun day events, stalls at local festivals, stands at schools, hospitals and workplaces raising awareness about sickle cell and recruiting blood donations.
We are currently recruiting volunteers to help support our activities and events.
Applications closing in a year.