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

matt@handsonlondon.org.uk 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!