Stanmer Wellbeing Gardens needs volunteers on Wednesday mornings

The Brighton & Hove Food Partnership^1,2,3 is looking for volunteers at Stanmer Wellbeing Gardens, the site it manages in Stanmer Park. Sessions run every other Wednesday from 10am to 1pm. The next ones are on 28 October, 11 and 25 November and 9 December.

The work is a mix of woodland conservation and gardening, aimed at turning unused corners of the site into community spaces. Expect bramble bashing and weeding, coppicing and pruning, making paths, tending the fire and planting hedgerows, herbs and flowers. Caroline Whiteman leads the sessions.

The site borders the walled garden at One Garden and Stanmer Organics, and 13 community groups share it. Their plots range from food growing to wildlife conservation and woodland. One of them, the Wild Flower Conservation Society, raises chalk grassland flowers to repopulate declining species.

You need to book a space before you go. Groups of more than two should email the partnership first. The sessions are for adults happy doing physical work outdoors, and the partnership says they are not currently suitable for people with support needs or who can’t take part independently.

Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty or torn, and sturdy boots. Long sleeves are a good idea: there are nettles. Bring gardening gloves if you have them. There is a compost loo near the site, and toilets and a cafe at One Garden around the corner.

Volunteers meet at the Gathering Glade. If you don’t know the site, read the directions in the booking confirmation. For questions, call Rob on 01273 234022. The partnership can also help if you need a hand getting to Stanmer.