Recent volunteering efforts during the hay making season

The Woodlands Farm Trust, 331 Shooters Hill, Welling, Kent, DA16 3RP Approximately 89 acres On the border of Greenwich and Bexley (near Oxleas Wood) Stark contrast from Shooters Hill Golf Course A working community farm Rich in biodiversity Trying to gain ‘Organic status’ Dedicated to conservation

livestock/ arable farm 1920 The Royal Arsenal Co- operative Society (RACS) turned the into a model pig farm with abattoir 1983 Farm came under threat of extinction of East London River Crossing Semi-derelict until 1995 when the Co- Operative Wholesale Society tried to purchase for housing The Woodland Farm Alliance bought the farm on a lease 1997 The Woodlands Farm Trust formed Woodlands Farm in 1901 Haymaking at Woodlands Farm in the 1950s Key Aims: 1.Keep community access to the farm 2.Sustainability 3.Conservation 4.Increase biodiversity 5.Organic farming 6.Education and community involvement

The farm hosts many opportunities for the extra-curricular activities Benefits for both parties involved: i.A younger and fresh volunteer section for the farm ii. Students learning new skills such as hedge laying, making a difference and giving something back to the community A proposed itinerary that is differentiated to stop boredom and caters to a group or an individual Haymaking in 2008 Feeding the animals Creation of Wild flower plot? Clearing the main pathway

Initial proposed itinerary constructed with the Farmland manager (Hillary Eastwood) on a 6 month basis The activities are specialised projects created for an academic basis Staffing of seasonal events (e.g. Summer Fete) -Bramble cutting/clearing -Hedging -Educational walks -Feeding animals -Fencing -Fundraising -Gardening -Helping out at shows and events -Log splitting -Mucking out of animals -Ragwort - Specialised projects (Turnpike field) Xmas Fete 2008 Orienteering Event 2008 Lambing Day 2009

Two Year 11 students from the class of 2010 have been getting their hands dirty and giving something back to the community at Woodlands Farm over the summer. With over 40 hours volunteering service between them, they have contributed and made a difference to their local environment on Shooters Hill. They have learnt new skills ranging from bramble clearance, feeding the different animals and conserving the environment. This has enhance their all round development and has lead to two mature and professional individuals. It’s not all hard work!! Look at the views. Bramble clearance (using slashers) to enhance species development. From left to right (Mr Davis, Erwin Grzadka and Charles Adedapo.

Woodland Farm is a catalyst for other projects on different spatial scales (local, national or international) increase diversity of volunteering options within the county i. Kent Wildlife offer a range of sites where the Scouting movement can take advantage ii. The Woodland Trust are the main donor charity of my local woods (Joyden’s Wood) 2011? International aid in Malawi as part of the Tongole Project

Peace and tranquillity. I am at one with nature!!