The Willow Field Project

weaving wellness, creating unity

rooted in community

We’re delighted to be expanding our health and wellbeing work on the willow field with tailored groups and volunteering opportunities, creating an inclusive space where people can connect and create with each other and nature through growing and crafting.

Beginning in March, we’re excited to be holding weekly gardening and crafting groups for adults with learning disabilities, autism and additional support needs. Please click here to find out more.

We are also working closely with local individuals and communities to tackle the impact of stress and social isolation and are increasing the variety of ways to get involved to include social prescribing. Our willow field project holds the CHIME framework in head, heart and hands. CHIME is an acronym in mental health recovery, standing for connection, hope, identity, meaning and empowerment. We hope to provide a space where these qualities can flourish and people feel seen, accepted and appreciated for who they are, in all their diversity.

new hands weaving old ways

new roots shaping wholesome days

We welcome volunteers who are eager to learn and lend a hand in creating a vibrant, sustainable environment, supporting others to create a sense of community and togetherness. Volunteering can make such a positive difference to peoples’ lives, improving self esteem and confidence and providing an opportunity to socialise, learn and share different skills and gain knowledge and experience. Come and be part of something special and rediscover the joy of nature, creativity, and connection.

Current Volunteering Opportunities

We are delighted to offer volunteering opportunities each Thursday from 10am - 3pm on the willow field with the chance to learn how to weave with Amy and support Emily and Sue with both long and short-term projects on the willow field and gardens. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a complete novice, you’ll find yourself welcome. No prior experience is necessary – just bring your enthusiasm.

Current work on the land includes compost and hot bed building, path making, weeding, planting willow, raised bed building, making a wormery, constructing tool storage space and creating a living willow dome. Scroll down to find out the coming week’s activities.

In the afternoons, learn how to weave bird feeders and fish soap dishes and make paper and rag rugs. These eco-crafting techniques will be taught to our groups for adults with additional needs and we are especially keen to share these skills with volunteers who are interested in coming along regularly and supporting others to learn in a befriending capacity.

We pause for lunch between 12.30 and 1.30pm. You’re welcome to bring food and drinks with you which you can warm in our kitchen facilities.

Refreshments and all necessary tools and materials will be provided. Please wear comfortable, cosy clothes and shoes suitable for outdoor activities.

If you would like to find out more about our groups or volunteering opportunities, we’d love to hear from you. Please get in touch with Emily at care@naturallyuseful.co.uk, or give us a call on 01309 675052.

No experience is needed: gardening, willow and wool work are all possible and training will be given. It is important to us that as a participant or volunteer you feel valued, and we’ll do our best to give back, so please let us know if there’s anything you’re really keen on learning, or skills you’d especially like to share.

VOLUNTEERING ACTIVITIES THIS THURSDAY, 11th April:

🌱 Gardening: Weather dependent! We’ll be mulching, clearing, weeding, landscaping and planting. There are plenty of tasks to take care of in the polytunnels should the weather be wet and you want to stay dry!

🐦 Crafting plaited living willow to sell at our open day in July or sanding loom pegs.