Volunteering Opportunities 2025-26

PRACTICAL AND SOME THEORY

 

9.00-1.00 Wednesdays and Fridays - come and learn traditional greenwood working skills including sharpening old gardening and carpentry tools (Weds only), and how to use a pole lathe (dates to be confirmed soon)

9.00-1.00 Thursdays - come and learn Permaculture style gardening and land based skills

10.00-1.00 Saturdays (2nd each month) - come and help us build more habitat for birds, mini-beasties and hibernating hedgehogs. No experience needed, just a willingness to use a pair of secateurs and/or loppers to chomp up brashwood and reconfigure into a deadwood hedge.




Volunteer with Purpose at Orchard Barn


At Orchard Barn, volunteering is more than just lending a hand - it's about becoming part of a thriving community that cares for people, place and planet. This winter we invite you to join us in the old orchard - creating more  deadwood screens and biodiversity habitat.


Learn, Connect, Restore

There is also the opportunity to receive free training in traditional carpentry and greenwood working

Learn how to use a pole lathe to turn greenwood into spindles for the completion of our new Education Room in the Long House.


Help us Build a Low-Carbon Learning Space

By helping us finish the Education Room, you're not just building a structure - you're helping create a space for environmental education, community gatherings and heritage skill-sharing.

Whether you're interested in traditional building, nature conservation, or just want to be part of something bigger, there's a place for you here.

Not sure if it's for you?

We offer a friendly half-day Taster Session so you can come along, try it out, and see what it's like to be part of Orchard Barn life.

Get involved. Get inspired. Grow with us.

Volunteer Induction pack


BMSDC logo

Suffolk County Council logo


It is the time, energy and expertise of local volunteers that underpins and supports everything we do at Orchard Barn - from conservation projects in our traditional orchard, work on and around the barn, to helping to reinstate our 1580 timber frame Long House. Read our 21-22 Annual Report to find out who, how and what volunteers achieved.




Permaculture gardening volunteers 


Available? Interested?

Please phone Sarah on 07766054042 or email sarah.orchardbarn@gmail.com

HOORAY and many, many thanks to everyone who had a hand in the making of 22,000 Sweet Chestnut shingles - we are delighted to let you know the Long House roof is now COMPLETE!

Completed shingle roof

View our 24-25 Social Impact video on YouTube

A day in the woods - read about Karyll Browne's experience

Volunteers explain why they like working at Orchard Barn