Role: Community Gardener (Self-employed, part-time)
Salary: £20 per hour
Contract: Self employed October 2025 - March 2026
Hours: 12 hours per week, Tuesday 1 - 4pm, Wednesday 10am - 1pm, Thursday 10am - 1pm, Saturday 11am - 2pm.
Location: Octopus Community Network Community Plant Nursery, Islington
Octopus Communities say:
About the role:
We are seeking to engage an experienced community gardener who is passionate about involving the community in growing plants, herbs, vegetables, and composting. The Community Gardener will support the implementation of a seasonal programme of winter and spring planting, engaging with a network of community growers in Islington. The pro-active engagement of volunteers, residents and families is integral to this programme, so that they can engage confidently and work independently, understanding the practicalities of gardening and horticultural practices.
You will be responsible for planning and facilitating practical workshops, engaging and leading volunteers, and helping to maintain the Community Plant Nursery over the winter and spring period. These workshops and hands-on sessions will focus on facilitating the development of basic gardening skills, with an emphasis on plant cultivation and habitat development. Additionally, you are encouraged to incorporate creative elements from your expertise, such as developing the Woodland Garden as a food forest, along with foraging, and engaging in nature-based crafts, for example, making seasonal festive wreaths, bug hotels and bird feeders.
Using the Community Plant Nursery as a focal point, Octopus has developed an interrelated range of food growing, community gardening and nature-based projects that seek to engage people of all ages and backgrounds, including:
- Weekly volunteer groups that encourage community participation and provide a restorative space for those who with additional needs or socially excluded.
- Accredited orchard courses for adults that provide a detailed insight into how to create and maintain community orchards.
- Environmental education for teams of visiting school students who learn about food growing, urban woodland creation and management, sustainability and the importance of maintaining healthy ecosystems.
The ideal candidate will be a confident communicator and an organised self-starter with demonstrable experience in sound horticultural practices (particularly food-growing) who thrives in taking the initiative to deliver creative, experiential workshops within a community setting. The successful candidate should be able to communicate clearly, work methodically to encourage participants to improve their confidence and ability to apply their skills and exchange their know-how with others.
A key aspect of the Community Gardener role is the engagement and training of local volunteers – some of whom may be vulnerable – to grow food in a practical and experiential context. You will relish the challenge of getting people of diverse backgrounds excited about gardening, nature and food growing.
This is an immensely rewarding self-employed role working in a dynamic community setting built on an ethos of dignity and inclusivity, that would suit a committed individual who is willing to go the extra mile. Through their activities, the Community Gardener will be able to convey the Octopus’s passion and commitment to facilitating community empowerment, the ‘right to grow’ and transforming the lives of vulnerable people.
We are an equal opportunities employer and committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable people. The post is subject to pre-employment and DBS checks.
How to Apply
Download the full information pack and person specification below, and send the following to info@octopuscommunities.org.uk. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
- Up to date CV
- Cover Letter (up to 2-sides A4) demonstrating how you meet the essential and desirable criteria
Location Various locations within 15 mile radius of Oxford
Hours Part time, FTE 0.4 or 0.6 = 15 or 22.5hrs p/w
Salary £27,000 (FTE)
Contract Fixed term 12 months with intention to extend subject to funding
Reports to Programme Manager
Reports None
Annual Leave 25 days + bank holidays (pro rata)
Farmability says:
FarmAbility is a local independent charity that is committed to improving the quality of lives through
access to meaningful activities for adults who have a learning disability and autism. We deliver
farming and horticultural-based programmes in partnership with community-based and local farms
and gardens. These programmes offer people who have a learning disability the opportunity to
engage in daily purposeful activities that not only improve physical and mental health and wellbeing,
but also foster a sense of community, and allow the development and strengthening of their skills and
abilities.
We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated individual to join our dedicated team of
Programme Leaders. Programme Leaders work with colleagues to plan and deliver day to day tasks
on our farm sites for our co-farmers to participate in. They are responsible for supporting co-farmers
in a range of purposeful outdoor activities, enabling them to engage increasingly effectively,
with the aim of developing skills and capacities. This support leads to greater enjoyment, increased
confidence, better physical and mental health and more independence for our participants. The
backgrounds of our Programme Leader team are very varied, with people coming to work with us
from all sorts of professional and personal experience. The thing that they all have in common is an
enthusiasm for our work, a commitment to delivering fulfilling and varied experiences and a passion
for sharing their knowledge and expertise in the most inclusive way possible.
Key Information
Salary: £27,431 pro-rata; equivalent to £14,827/yearHours: 20 hrs per week which can be worked flexiblyContract: PermanentHoliday: 32 days including Bank Holidays pro rata.Responsible to: Chief Executive OfficerLocation: Leeds office and/or Home workingJob sharing: This post is not suitable for job sharing.Eligibility: Please note you must be eligible to work in the UK to apply for this role.Well-being and flexible working: 15 minutes/day of work time for meditation/being in nature; generous leave policy; supportive team culture; flexible working to support family, friends and community life; Association sick pay scheme in addition to statutory requirements.
Main tasks and responsibilities
- Coordinate a rolling communications timeline and action plan
- Develop a social media content calendar that reflects and drives our termly offer and grows our audience
- Lead planning and delivery of specific campaigns
- Managing and curating existing website content and ensuring staff members are managing and updating their own areas of the site.
- Designing content that reaches diverse audiences and aligns with our JEDAI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, Accessibility and Inclusion) action plan
- Engage with responses to our social media channel posts
- Actively engage with members to commission content and edit what is supplied to suit the channel
- Write and send a monthly member’s newsletter using our Customer Relations Management system (CiviCRM)
- Collate information on members’ activities and include these in the e-bulletin
- Marketing the Association’s membership and events
- Work closely with Education Lead to plan and schedule promotion of all courses
- Marketing the Association's different offers of online learning.
- Monitor, analyse and report on digital performance data and campaign performance, using the insights to optimise campaigns, audience reach and SEO
- Attend weekly team and quarterly planning meetings and others as required
- Contributing income and expenditure figures to the annual budget
Salary - £24,447 pro rata (actual salary £17,462)
Contract – Part-Time (25 hours per week), Permanent
Farms for City Children say:
We offer children and young people a week in the heart of the British countryside staying on one of our farms, where they are immersed in the natural world of food, farming, and country life. During their stay, they participate in the seasonal tasks of the day: sowing, growing and harvesting in our kitchen gardens, caring for livestock and looking after the land, and a variety of tasks designed to build greater connection with the natural world.
We are looking for a Farm School Leader to join our friendly team on our farm in Devon. This is a hands-on role responsible for leading engaging countryside, food and farming sessions for groups of beneficiary children at Nethercott House, a smallholding with a productive vegetable garden and raising pigs, poultry, sheep, cattle, equines and bees. As part of the wider farming operations team, the Farm School Leader will deliver knowledge rich farming and countryside sessions for visiting children as well helping with daily farming tasks and maintenance works.
The role requires the ability to undertake some work outside of 9 to 5 hours, including some weekend and lone working on a rota basis.
All roles our subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Check (DBS).
For full details about the role, please see the Job Description and Person Specification and Job Information Pack in the link below.
Projects Coordinator Job DescriptionPlease see the linked document below for full details.
Salary: £32,764 pro rata (£16.80 per hour)
Hours: 15 hours/week (2 days/week)
Contract: Temporary Contract
Responsible to: Senior Manager
Work Pattern: A flexible work pattern, to be discussed with your line manager.
Location: Newtown
About Cultivate
Cultivate is dedicated to supporting a resilient local food economy and is the host of Bwyd Powys
Food, the sustainable food partnership for Powys. Cultivate supports our community by nurturing
local businesses, promoting sustainable land management, and connecting people to local food. We
are passionate about people & plants, growing & gathering, cooking & community, food & the
environment.
A great job in Powys and on the English border. Please see the role desciption in the link.
Cultivate Says:
Salary: £28,668 pro rata (£14.70/hour)
Hours: 30 hours/week (4 days/week)
Contract: 24 month contract (with potential extension pending future funding)
Responsible to: Senior Management
Work Pattern: A flexible work pattern, to be discussed with your line manager.
Location: Based in Newtown with significant work in Hay-on-Wye and other locations in Powys. A
degree of agile/home working required.
About Cultivate and Bwyd Powys Food
Are you passionate about local, fresh and seasonal produce? We are looking for a highly motivated,
organised person to join the Cultivate Team.
Cultivate is dedicated to supporting a resilient local food economy and is the host of Bwyd Powys
Food, the sustainable food partnership for Powys. The vision of Bwyd Powys Food is "Good food for
Powys! Where local, sustainable and healthy food supports communities, its people and the
environment". This vision is delivered on through the Powys Food Strategy and Action Plan.
Job Purpose
i) To support small groups of alternative provision students to deliver planned activities set by the education lead specific to the students SEND/EHCP and planned learning outcomes.
ii) To support adult clients with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and/or social and emotional difficulties to complete routine animal management tasks and other practical tasks around the farm.
iii) To plan and deliver engaging practical functional skills sessions using the farm’s resources.
Larkrise's full role description is below
Area
England
We would love to see people with community garden experience in these brand new RHS roles.
Community Garden Movement Builder - England & Wales
Community Programmes Coordinator - Based in London
Wellbeing Garden Innovation Coordinator - Based at RHS Wisley
Area
UK-wide
Are you passionate about green spaces, community empowerment, and sustainable gardening? Do you thrive outdoors, love working with people, and want to make a real difference in urban communities? Join BOSTs Team as the Green Hub Facilitator & Community Gardener.
Please see the JD and job advert below.
File
Area
London
Community Gardener – Tender Specification and Application Process
Thank you for your interest in the Community Gardener role at D’Eynsford TMO.
This document provides an overview of the estate, background to the project, and a full specification for the Community Gardener role.
If you have any questions or would like to arrange a visit to the garden and estate before submitting your application, please contact the TMO Manager:
Name: Chay Pulger
Email: chay.pulger@southwark.gov.uk
Telephone: 020 7525 0745
Application Timeline:
• The deadline for applications is Thursday. 22nd January 2026.
• Candidates who are successfully shortlisted will be invited to attend an interview between 9–14 February 2026.
• The contract is scheduled to commence during the week beginning 6 April 2026.
1. Introduction
Residents of the D’Eynsford Estate take great pride in caring for our community garden (The Secret Garden) and landscaped grounds (D’Eynsford Estate Grounds). We are now seeking a Community Gardener to support the maintenance and development of these green spaces and to engage residents in gardening activities throughout the year.
The Secret Garden (Community Garden)
The Secret Garden, created by residents approximately 15 years ago, transformed an overgrown, unused space into a vibrant community hub. It now features:
• Woodland and wildflower area
• Herb garden
• Social space with tables, and a sheltered seating area
• Raised vegetable beds and a greenhouse & Shed
• Electric Point and Water Taps
• Composting Site
In addition to the Secret Garden, we continue to enhance the wider estate grounds, including revitalising neglected beds, planting climbers, and installing container planting areas. A network of water butts supports our volunteer watering team. General grounds maintenance is delivered by a contracted provider.
All gardening activities are overseen by the volunteer Garden and Grounds Committee, part of the TMO. We promote organic gardening, the use of native plants, and the creation of wildlife-friendly spaces.
Over the years, the TMO has employed community gardeners to help develop the estate’s green spaces, run engaging activities, and inspire residents of all ages to learn and enjoy gardening.
2. Role Details
We are seeking a Community Gardener to work with the Garden and Grounds Committee from 6th April 2026 to 31st March 2027. The role includes planning and delivering weekly gardening and community engagement activities in both the Secret Garden and wider estate.
Our aim is to adopt a whole-community approach, although some sessions may focus on specific groups such as children, families, older residents, or beginners. We also wish to encourage residents to grow plants at home—in gardens, balconies, and communal areas.
Scope of Work
• We are seeking quotations to deliver weekly gardening and outreach workshops for 12 months (6th April 2026 – 31st March 2027), with potential extension subject to funding and interest.
• Sessions will average 5 hours per week, comprising time for practical gardening tasks and community engagement activity.
• Session lengths may vary depending on planned activities and events; all scheduling will be agreed in advance with the Garden Sub-Committee.
• Sessions are expected to take place:
Weekday: approximately 2 hours (days to be agreed with the successful applicant)
Weekend: approximately 3 Hours (days to be agreed with the successful applicant)
3. Main Duties
1. Open the Secret Garden regularly for residents and visitors.
2. Welcome and engage visitors, promoting involvement in gardening activities.
3. Plan and lead weekly gardening activities in the Secret Garden and across the estate, in collaboration with the Committee.
4. Plan and promote special workshops and events (i.e. seed swap, wreath making etc)
5. Support the ongoing development, enhancement and maintenance of the Secret Garden and estate green spaces through hands-on gardening work.
4. Key Responsibilities
• Create an inclusive, welcoming and safe garden environment.
• Plan and deliver activities suitable for families, children, older residents, beginners and complete novices.
• Promote activities through on-site engagement, community events, noticeboards, newsletters, website, WhatsApp groups and social media (Instagram).
• Support residents to develop basic gardening skills and confidence.
• Provide expert horticultural advice to the Committee and TMO Manager, supporting planting plans and coordinated estate maintenance.
• Identify funding opportunities and assist in drafting grant applications where appropriate.
• Maintain the Secret Garden to a high standard, ensuring it is tidy, safe and attractive.
• Ensure safe use, storage and maintenance of gardening tools and equipment.
• Source and order plants, materials and supplies in coordination with the TMO Manager.
• Maintain monitoring records as agreed (e.g. attendance, activity logs).
• Liaise regularly with the TMO Manager and Committee Chair to review progress and priorities.
• Attend Gardening Committee Meetings.
5. Requirements
Applicants must have:
• Demonstrable gardening/horticultural experience and experience working with community groups.
• Public liability insurance.
• An enhanced DBS check for working with adults and children (or willingness to obtain one before commencement).
6. Your Quote
Please complete the details below and return to: chay.pulger@southwark.gov.uk
Contact Name:
Telephone:
Email:
Please outline your proposed costs below. Hourly Rate (based on 5 hours per week for 12 months): £________ per hour
7. Supporting Statement (Max 500 Words)
Please provide a supporting statement outlining your gardening experience and relevant skills; any involvement in community garden projects; experience in community outreach and project management; your interest in the role; how you would encourage resident participation in the estate’s growing activities; the practices or procedures you use to ensure safe and well-managed projects (such as safeguarding, insurance and health and safety); and any additional information that would support your application.
Please email your application to: chay.pulger@southwark.gov.uk
Events Manager
We’re looking for someone who wants to join our busy charity to make a real and lasting difference to people’s lives.
With experience in planning and coordination of events, you will have a flair for organisation, excellent communication skills and be able to inspire the team with your creative ideas and practical know-how!
With the support of your team of interns, you will be responsible for the planning, budgeting, scheduling and running of the Charity’s seasonal events programme, including at least four events every year in April, June, October and December (the Farm Fairs).
Contract type: 12 months
Salary: £27,803 pro rata (£15.28 per hour). The farm operates a 35-hour working week. For a 17.5-hour week, the salary will be pro-rated to £13,902 per annum.
Hours of work: 17.5 hours per week, with potential for flexible working month to month. The busiest times are March – June and September – December, so this post could work for someone with existing commitments in July and August, for example. Usual working hours will be between 9 – 5pm, Monday to Friday, with flexibility and weekend working required for delivery of events.
Annual leave: 25 days holiday per year, plus public holidays, pro rata
Probationary period: The appointment will be subject to a probationary period of 3 months.
Application deadline: 10am on Monday 12th January 2026
Please visit the website for more information and to apply.
Events-Manager-JD-2025-Final.docx271.75 KB
Supported Training Manager
We’re looking for someone who wants to join our busy charity to make a real and lasting difference to people’s lives.
With experience in managing services for vulnerable adults, you will be passionate about creating person-centred, meaningful and fun placements for adults experiencing a range of learning and physical disabilities in a mainly outdoor setting.
You will be an experienced line manager who can lead and support your team with confidence, guiding and empowering staff to improve the service and deliver a wonderful programme for participants.
Contract type: Permanent
Salary: Starting at £27,803 per annum (full-time), rising to £31,364 per annum (full-time). The farm operates a 35-hour working week. For a 21-hour week, the starting salary will be pro-rated to £16,682 per annum (£15.28/hour).
Hours of work: 21 hours per week, over at least 3 days per week, largely undertaken between 9 – 5pm, Monday to Friday. Working pattern can be flexible but must include Tuesdays, and either Thursdays or Fridays.
Annual leave: 25 days holiday per year, plus public holidays, pro rata
Application Deadline: 10am Monday 12th January 2026
Please visit St Werburghs City Farm website for more information and to apply.
Communications Coordinator
We’re looking for someone who wants to join our busy charity to make a real and lasting difference to people’s lives.
With a demonstrable track record of producing accessible, high quality digital and print materials, managing websites, and running multichannel campaigns, you will connect people to our cause through telling the vibrant story of the Farm and our projects.
If you’re a passionate storyteller with great organisational and people skills, and care about community wellbeing, we’d love to hear from you.
Contract type: Permanent
Salary: Starting at £25,119 pro rata, rising to £26,873 pro rata. The farm operates a 35-hour working week. For a 17.5-hour week, the starting salary will be pro-rated to £12,560 per annum (£13.80/hour).
Hours of work: 17.5 hours per week. Usual working hours will be between 9 – 5pm, Monday to Friday, with occasional evening and weekend working required to support delivery of events.
Place of work: St Werburghs City Farm, with options for hybrid working.
Annual leave: 25 days holiday per year, plus public holidays, pro rata
Probationary period: The appointment will be subject to a probationary period of 3 months.
Application deadline: 10am on Monday 19th January 2026
Please visit the website for more information and to apply.
The Paradise Collective is seeking an Outdoor Education Assistant.
The Paradise Cooperative is a Wandsworth-based charity working towards a future where communities and nature thrive together. The established Community Programme offers a variety of volunteer opportunities, including weekend Community Growing sessions, which welcome individuals of all ages and abilities. Based within the biodiverse community garden, the programmes create meaningful opportunities for people to contribute, learn and connect.
Application deadline is midnight on Monday 5th January 2026.
Please see attached JD for full details.
Area
London
The Birch Collective is seeking a Project Lead and Facilitator for two days a week.
They work with young people and adults who are experiencing mental ill-health, social isolation, or difficult transitions. Through nature-based creative and land-skills groups, they support participants to build resilience, find motivation, and reclaim a sense of purpose and empowerment in their lives.
The application deadline is 9 February 2026, midday.
Please see the JD for full details.
Area
England
The Paradise Collective is seeking a Community Programme Facilitator for four hours a week, with a focus on Sundays.
The application deadline is midnight on Monday 5th January 2026.
Please see attached JD for all details.
The Paradise Cooperative is a Wandsworth-based charity working towards a future where communities and nature thrive together. The established Community Programme offers a variety of volunteer opportunities, including weekend Community Growing sessions, which welcome individuals of all ages and abilities. Based within the biodiverse community garden, the programmes create meaningful opportunities for people to contribute, learn and connect.