At Meadow Orchard, we offer a rich and varied volunteer experience where you can connect with nature, learn new skills, and be part of a vibrant, caring community.
Here’s just some of what you can get involved in:
Gardening & Growing
- Learn how to propagate plants from seed, cuttings and plant bulbs or seedlings into our garden beds
- Help manage our polytunnel and plant sales
- Discover how to make compost and bring along your own food waste to contribute
- Help feed and care for our wormeries and learn about their role in soil health
- Try your hand at cooking with fresh produce grown on-site
Orchard & Meadow Care
- Learn how to prune, mulch, and harvest fruit from our wide variety of trees, including apples, pears, medlars, plums, quince, and damsons
- Join our meadow maintenance team and help preserve the ecologically important anthills through traditional methods like scything
- Help us manage invasive brambles and protect this unique habitat
Rewilding & Permaculture
- Take part in rewilding efforts on what was once tennis courts by planting young trees, exploring soil regeneration, and managing oak saplings
- Discover permaculture principles such as rainwater harvesting, cob building and repair, and our composting toilet system
Wildlife & Ecology
- Join seasonal surveys of moths and other species, build habitats for frogs and beetles, and explore the site on wild pollinator “safaris”
- Observe birds and learn to recognize their calls while helping maintain bird boxes and feeding stations
- Visit our wildlife pond, home to newts, dragonflies, and other aquatic life
- Use our iNaturalist site app to record and share your wildlife sightings
Beekeeping
- Take part in beekeeping sessions — some are free for Meadow Orchard Project (MOP) members during the summer
Community & Well-being
- Join our meditation group for peaceful reflection and mindfulness in nature
- Drop in for a chat — the kettle is usually on, and there’s always space in a hammock for quiet time
- Take part in a variety of workshops and regular activities, including:
- Storytelling and puppetry
- Sketching, art and exhibitions
- Woodworking and Greenwoodwork
- Yoga, Kung Fu, and music sessions (including our ukulele group)
- Forest schools, Scouts, and home-education gatherings
- Traditional celebrations like wassailing and maypole dancing
Whether you’re passionate about ecology, eager to learn new skills, or simply looking for a tranquil space to relax, there’s a place for you at Meadow Orchard.
Meadow Orchard Project 