How can I volunteer with Urban Growth?

Keep checking our website and social media. We run weekly volunteer sessions on Thursdays at the Brixton Orchard, plus additional workshops, which may be of interest. If you would like to get more involved with Urban Growth or sign up to our newsletter, please fill in the form on the contact page on our website or visit EventBrite here to book.

Do I need to sign up on Eventbrite before attending a workshop?

We ask if you could sign up for all of our workshops via Eventbrite before turning up. This is so we can plan the sessions for the right number of attendees and ensure we have enough tools available for everyone. However, if you are unable to sign up beforehand, we will not turn you away and if, for example, you would like to bring a friend along, we would welcome you both.

Can I bring my child with me to a workshop?

Even though the majority of our workshops are aimed at adults, children are welcome to join us, but they must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

What do I wear to a workshop?

We suggest you wear loose comfortable clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty. Please dress for the weather and bring a raincoat if it’s overcast, or a hat and sunglasses if it’s hot. We also recommend wearing layers so you can adjust to the change of temperature, and wearing flat sturdy shoes, boots or trainers.

What should I bring with me to a workshop?

We encourage you to bring your own gardening gloves to our workshops if you have some. However, we have gloves available if this is not possible. We suggest you bring a drink and some sunscreen if it’s hot. We don’t require you to bring anything else with you, as we have tools available for all signed up attendees.

Where do I meet the team when I arrive at the workshop?

Brixton Orchard: Meet in the orchard by the wheelbarrows full of tools!

Are there toilets on site?

Although there are no toilets on site at the Brixton Orchard, there is a cafe with a toilet across the road from the orchard.

Will the event still take place if the weather is bad?

The events will take place come rain or shine. However, if there are extreme weather conditions due at the time of the workshop, then it’s likely it will be cancelled or rearranged. We will email attendees who have signed up via Eventbrite with as much notice as we can if this is the case.

I can only attend for part of a session. Is that ok?

You are more than welcome to only stay or arrive for part of a session, as we know our volunteers may have other commitments.

I can no longer attend the event, how do I cancel?

If you could please let us know if you are no longer able to attend a workshop, by either clicking on the “Go to My Tickets” link in your Eventbrite confirmation email and clicking “Cancel Order”, or emailing admin@urbangrowth.london.

Do you accommodate people with mobility issues and to what extent?

We welcome people with mobility issues and generally have tasks that are less strenuous for the body. If possible, let us know in advance so we can plan activities accordingly.

Please reach out to us if you would like to discuss the accessibility on site, so that we can discuss further.

I work in a company and I’d like to arrange for staff to join the sessions and volunteer their time

We welcome working with companies and their staff. We are currently developing a new pilot programme to increase these sorts of opportunities. Please reach out to admin@urbangrowth.london with the number of people, the ideal date for you and your budget and we will arrange a staff team day out.

What sort of activities will we do on site?

We offer a range of activities depending what is needed on site. These can include any of the following:
- Mulching, watering, weeding, mowing, strimming, pruning
- Creating and repairing signage
- Chopping up wood waste
- Learning about pest control and preparing organic sprays
- Creating stumpery/bog gardens using logs
- Creating bug hotels
- Tool maintenance

Is there a safe space to store our belongings on site?

You are welcome to leave your bag in the Orchard on the grass. It will stay within sight when we are working. However, be aware that the site is open to the public so it is advisable not to bring any valuables.