Uckfield Matters Magazine - July 19 #143

VOLUNTEERING IN THE SUMMER SUNSHINE
by Zoe McGarry
communitymatters
Summer is a great time for outdoor volunteering. At the Volunteer
Centre we have opportunities for you to get involved with larger charities
like the National Trust to smaller groups and projects needing help.
DO YOU ENJOY GARDENING?
The Beechwood Unit at our Community
Hospital provides inpatient services
for people with dementia. They need
a gardener to help maintain the unit’s
courtyard garden. The role involves
looking after pot plants and raised beds
and supporting patients with staff to
engage with the garden. Could you help?
COULD YOU DO CONSERVATION WORK?
Uckfield Town Council owns over 50 acres
of natural space including Hempstead
Meadows and West Park nature reserves.
Volunteers are always needed to help the
Ranger maintain these areas. At this time
of year the work involves helping with
construction and dealing with vegetation.
No prior knowledge or expertise is
needed, just a reasonable level of fitness.
You can volunteer for a couple of hours or
a whole day and you can give regular or
occasional support.
DO YOU LOVE ANIMALS?
Spring Farm Alpacas in Fletching need
a carer to help look after their animals.
They were established in 2000 when they
started with just three alpacas. Now the
herd is made up of about one hundred.
The farm’s aim is to improve the genetics
and appearance of each new generation
of alpaca offspring. They need a volunteer
to help feed and check the animals.
If you could spare the time to help
with any of these roles or would
like information about other
volunteering opportunities, please visit
uckfieldvolunteer.org.uk. You can email
us at office@uckfieldvolunteer.org.uk
or pop in and see us at 79 High Street
opposite the flower shop.
Have a wonderful summer.
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