Volunteer Hub

Incredible Edible Volunteer Gardeners (SA 24-25)

Organisation Details

Student Action - Incredible Edible

Activity type: Community Work, Environment and Gardening
Stellify Award: This opportunity is part of 'Make a Difference'
Organisation Description: The aim of this project is to ethically combat food poverty by growing healthy produce for the general public to pick and take home. Volunteers will be required to clean up our plots, plant and grow a variety of crops, help with general upkeep of the produce, and to promote the project where possible. It also aims to provide volunteers with the opportunity to learn about how to grow food sustainably on small plots, so no prior knowledge is necessary!

We are aiming to spread the word and get more people and groups from the wider community involved - both in caring for the plot (especially during uni holidays) and in benefiting from the delicious fruit and veg we can grow!

This year we are hoping to work on transforming our Mosely Road plot into a food forest, and begin to set up a series of talks to discuss food issues more extensively.
Description of role: What is the project all about?
Incredible Edible UoM aims to create a greener environment for students, residents and wildlife whilst practicing sustainable growing methods in small plots for a variety of delicious fruits and veg! Our project also provides a channel for students to connect with nature in an urban city like Manchester especially to have a rejuvenating escape during exam season and subsequently combat stress and poor mental health.
We also hope the wider community can be involved in taking care of our plant beds across Platt Fields and appreciate them.

What will the role involve?
Each session is different, ranging from planting and propagating new plants to weeding and watering. Other tasks might include woodworking and DIYs, such as building, designing and decorating planters, bug houses and plant labels!
We also conduct occasional visits to local community gardening projects to explore alternative ways of producing food, to gain inspiration for our own work, and to establish connections with these groups. Moreover, the project includes occasional outings to explore other local green spaces, encouraging our volunteers to gain a better understanding of natural processes and to learn about native and naturalised species and the benefits they provide to wildlife.
Plus, we will never run out of tasks to improve our garden!

Who are we looking for?
We are looking for individuals who are passionate about nature and gardening who are also looking for a place to de-stress and socialise with like-minded people to create a better, greener environment. Volunteers will help in planting and maintaining our crops, tidying up our plots and promoting the project when appropriate.
Don’t worry if you do not have previous gardening experience or knowledge, most of us are beginners and we are all learning and helping each other along the way!

We run sessions from 12pm-2pm every Saturday at the Lakeside Centre, Platt Fields, Fallowfield, M14 6LA.
Please do not hesitate to contact us via email – MCRincredibleedible@gmail.com – or our Instagram – incredibleedibleuom – if you have any questions!
Skills / qualities associated with the role: Creative Skills, Practical Skills, Team Working
Are volunteer expenses available?: Yes
Duration of role: Ongoing / Long term
Opportunity times: Saturday AM
DBS required: Off
Can reasonable adjustments be made regarding additional needs?: Yes
Is this organisation part of the Sports Volunteering Scheme (SVS)?: No
Minimum hours commitment: 2 hours
Location:
Lakeside Centre, Platt Fields, Fallowfield
Manchester
M14 6LA