Farm News | January 24, 2025
Drop-in Volunteering in early 2025
Drop-ins resume from the midwinter break, still on winter hours for light…


Drop-in volunteering sessions are on in the Community Garden every Tuesday and Thursday 1pm-3pm
We run drop-in sessions every Tuesday and Thursday, with Agnes, Lisa and Hannah in the Community Allotments and Garden, with plenty of tea on offer to keep us warm! If you’re free on a Tuesday or a Thursday afternoon, come along and give it a go. You don’t need experience of growing or plant knowledge to join in, and you don’t need to book ahead. But if it’s your first time joining us, please come at 12:50pm (10 minutes early) so we can welcome you with a short induction. More info below for newcomers…
If you have any questions, you can contact communityallotments@lauristonfarm.org
First time FAQs
What will we be doing?
A mix of gardening jobs in our shared garden. It depends on the time of year, but things like preparing ground or raised beds, adding compost or woodchip, sowing seeds, weeding, planting trees and bushes, making dead hedges and more. We try to make sure there’s a good mix of jobs, so you can choose something that suits your health and energy on the day. You don’t need experience – we can teach you everything you need to know.
What should I wear and bring?
It’s all outdoors, so dress for the weather and wear scruffy shoes, but you don’t need special gear. We supply all the tools and gardening gloves. We also have kit like welly boots and waterproofs if you need it. You might want to bring snacks to keep your energy up.
Who Will Be There?
You will find people of a mix of ages, genders, backgrounds and ethnicities volunteering at the farm. Most live in the neighbourhoods nearby. There’s always at least one member of the Lauriston Farm team at the organised volunteering sessions. We are trained in first aid, mental health first aid and trauma awareness. Between us, we also have lived experience of mental and physical health issues, trauma, and neurodivergence.
What if I am worried about my fitness or my energy – is it hard work?
Lots of people here have health conditions – including allotment holders, farm staff and volunteers. But many hands make light work – everyone contributes by doing the bit they can do. When you are volunteering, you can do the tasks that suit you, go at your own pace and take breaks. It’s not a competition and we want you to have a good time!
Is it accessible for people with mobility difficulties?
It depends on what you use for support. There are no stairs to the Community Garden, but it is on uneven, grassy ground, which can get muddy – people have accessed it in wheelchairs and mobility scooters, it depends on the set up you have. If you use a stick or sticks, and you feel okay on rough ground, the Community Garden should be accessible. We are working on expanding our range of tools, eg. long-handled tools to save bending.
What about toilets and refreshments?
We have a private, gender-neutral, composting toilet volunteers can use. It is spacious and has no steps.
We always have tea and biscuits at volunteering sessions.
We don’t have a cafe or public toilets.
Travel and Directions
The address is Lauriston Farm Road, Edinburgh EH4 5EX.
The main community entrance is at the back of the Toby Carvery car park.
Please use public transport, walk, wheel or cycle to get to the farm whenever possible.
Lothian Buses 16, 27, 29, 37 & 47 all stop within 5 minutes of the farm and there is a bike rack at the community entrance.
Weather
We go ahead in most weather, but we don’t want you to be cold and miserable – it’s meant to be fun! Please feel free to stay home if it’s too cold – there’s always another time.