HandsOn London | 38 Turner Street, Whitechapel |London | E1 2AS | Charity No: 1140291
Brighten Up London Volunteering Opportunities
London became the world’s first National Park City last year, but much work still needs to
be done to ensure that everyone can enjoy nature and the outdoors. Since the launch of
our Brighten Up London 3 years ago, we have been working with volunteers to enhance
London’s green spaces and to make them as accessible as possible to the public. Last year,
over 2500 volunteers gave their time to brighten up charity farms and community spaces,
create wildlife habitats in parks and to build outdoor classrooms and nature trails across
London.
The Covid-19 pandemic has emphasised the importance of spending time outdoors and
further exposed the lack of access to green spaces for so many families across the UK,
despite what the statistics say. At HandsOn London, we aim to increase access for families
in confined spaces, schools, community and exercise groups, dog walkers and tourists. We
continue to work closely with our horticultural partners, idverde, to support their work in
local communities.
Volunteers have always been the vehicle for HandsOn London’s activities and we’re
always looking to grow our network – we need your help! Please drop an email to
[email protected] if you are interested and want to learn more.
HandsOn London | 38 Turner Street, Whitechapel |London | E1 2AS | Charity No: 1140291
Map of Opportunities: • Click a tree on the map below for more information on local projects!
NOTE: All Projects will be supported by a Team Leader and will be carried out
responsibly and safely, based on the latest guidance. Gloves and tools will be
provided!
HandsOn London | 38 Turner Street, Whitechapel |London | E1 2AS | Charity No: 1140291
White City Estate Community Garden (W12):
The One World Garden is surrounding the local
community centre and recent work has aimed to
encourage local residents to help take care of the
estate’s planted areas. Volunteer support would be very
welcome! Tasks may include general clearance around
the garden, weeding and planting.
• DATES: 10am-3pm, 30th June and more to come
Maxilla Gardens (W10):
Underneath the Westway there is a green space
utilised by some fantastic organisations. There is a
forest school enclosure, large yard area and back
garden that all require support from volunteers. The
charities involved in using the space run all sorts of
exciting programmes for isolated older people, local
schools and families in confined spaces – we are
simply there to make sure they can use the space to it’s full potential. Initial tasks will
include weeding in the raised beds and filling them with compost, helping to build a dead
hedge and replanting on the site, including a potential ‘tyre garden’!
• DATES: 10am-3pm, 13th July and more to come –
TaskForce4Nature(W8):
This conservation team meet up every 3rd Saturday
of the month and are usually working on the Forest
School enclosure in Holland Park. Thousands of
young people from local schools use the space
every year and volunteers help to maintain and
develop the area. Tasks may include cutbacks,
weeding, path maintenance, pond restoration, scything, planting and more!
• DATES: 10.30am-3pm, 18th of July and every 3rd Saturday thereafter
HandsOn London | 38 Turner Street, Whitechapel |London | E1 2AS | Charity No: 1140291
Gibbs Green Estate Community Garden (SW6):
Volunteers have been helping to develop the
community garden over the last year or so and
continue to make progress, however it’s in need
of some love and attention – Volunteers may be
involved with weeding in the raised beds,
creating paths and helping to create space for
and construct picnic benches and a new storage
shed.
• DATES: Upcoming Dates in July
Philpot Square Community Garden (SW6):
Volunteer support is needed to help create
a new wildlife area and to spruce up the
surrounding floral beds and landscape, tasks
including weeding and planting up in the
beds.
• DATES: Upcoming Dates in July
HandsOn London | 38 Turner Street, Whitechapel |London | E1 2AS | Charity No: 1140291
East London Scouts (E1):
HandsOn London have started a new relationship with
the East London Scouts and are very much planning to
support their incredible work with the volunteers they
need. Initially, some general clearance work in their
garden would be much appreciated and they also and
need help laying down some artificial grass in the yard.
Plus an upcoming opportunity for some painting in their hall – so plenty to come!
• DATES: TBC!
Queens Wood Organic Garden (N10):
The wonderful, vibrant community garden,
maintained by many dedicated volunteers, grows
fruit and vegetables. It is a lovely space to come
and enjoy nature – and is always open to the
public. The organic, seasonal produce from our
garden is used in dishes by the wonderful non-
profit café. Volunteers may be involved with planting, digging, harvesting, basic DIY,
pruning and clearing, sowing seeds, watering and and maintaining healthy compost piles.
• DATES: TBC
Dulwich Park(SE21):
HandsOn London have been working closely with the
Dulwich Park team for a number of years now and
have been working to develop various areas of the
park to make it more accessible for local
communities, particularly in the famous American
Garden. Tasks may include removing invasive species
to protect the Rhododendrons, spreading mulch in the beds, laying wood chip and
maintaining path networks.
• DATES – TBC!
HandsOn London | 38 Turner Street, Whitechapel |London | E1 2AS | Charity No: 1140291
Thank you volunteers,
You are amazing!