Surrey Docks Farm
Surrey Docks Farm is a working community farm in Rotherhithe, right on the Thames path. We care for all the usual farm animals including cows, pigs, goats, sheep, poultry, plus a couple of donkeys and small animals. We also have some wonderful community gardens where local people learn how to grow fruit and vegetables; an orchard producing a fine harvest of apples; several bee hives; a wildlife garden and more.
We aim to engage the whole community in meaningful outdoor activities to learn more about where their food comes from, connect with the environment and have fun!
The Farm is here for everyone. We run a lively youth programme that includes toddlers groups, family cooking workshops and weekly youth clubs; we welcome school classes; offer a volunteering programme for 14 years and over; deliver training projects for adult students with learning disabilities and engage with older people through animal-based reminiscence sessions. We are open every day from 10am-4pm with free entry and offer additional workshops for local adults.
How you can help
NEW Pro bono support
The Farm welcomes pro bono support from construction or landscaping companies for our maintenance projects. For example help with drain surveys, gutter clearing or levelling growing spaces to make the ground more accessible for participants. We're also in need of expert advice in other areas e.g. we'd love to offer aerial yoga to our local community in the classroom, but need the advice of a rigger and/or structural engineer to check the load bearing of the beams. We also need support with networking options to enable better wireless internet access across the Farm. If you can help in any of these ways, please get in touch with Gemma, the Farm Manager: manager@surreydocksfarm.org.uk
Volunteers
The Farm relies on volunteer support in all areas of our work.
In addition, during the year we offer corporate volunteer days, helping us with income and practical support. These days are great for team building and to get active outdoors whilst supporting a valued local project.
Full details available on our website: www.surreydocksfarm.org.uk/corporate-volunteering/
Sponsorship for Apprenticeships
We offer an inclusive route into agriculture and horticulture careers, by paying our apprentices the London Living Wage and supporting them through free accredited training with our partners KEITS and Walworth Garden. We are currently seeking sponsorship to continue and develop this programme to take on three new Apprentices this year including a new Admin & Customer Services Apprentice post. In addition to sponsorship to fund this new post, we will also be looking for a couple of short term work experience placements for the successful candidate to take part in to help gain skills and a wider insight into the working world.
If you're interested in supporting young people in the local area to gain new skills and a career path, please get in touch with Gemma Hooper, the Farm Manager via email: manager@surreydocksfarm.org.uk