Would you like to spend time outdoors, meet like-minded people and make a meaningful difference in your local community? Horsepool Farm in Burbage is looking for friendly volunteers to help us support autistic young people and their families. Our farm and developing market garden provide a calm, welcoming environment for one-to-one well-being and therapeutic sessions, as well as sessions for specialist schools. Our ponies, donkeys, sheep, goats, pigs, chickens, alpacas, rabbits, guinea pigs and geese all play an important part in the experiences we offer.
As a volunteer, you will be part of the team that keeps the farm and market garden safe, clean and running smoothly. This practical support enables our farm manager and deputy to spend more time delivering sessions for the young people, families and schools who visit us. You can volunteer as often as suits you, and every hour you give is genuinely valued. A WhatsApp group makes it easy to let us know which day or days you are available, with most help needed in the mornings through to shortly after lunch. Depending on the day, you may help with feeding and watering, poo picking, cleaning animal housing or sweeping the yard. In the market garden, tasks may include planting, identifying and removing weeds, tending borders and hanging baskets, clearing paths and patios, cutting grass and strimming around borders and climbing plants. Whether you are experienced or completely new to farm work and gardening, we will show you what to do so that you feel confident and supported. If you enjoy animals, nature, gardening or simply being part of a friendly team, we would love to welcome you to Horsepool Farm.