Why I volunteer for ECCG

I went to an event at Empty Common Community Garden recently and met a lady called Isobelle who has been volunteering there for some weeks. She kindly agreed to answer some questions about her experiences - this is what she said. I hope that if you were thinking about volunteering but not sure, then this will convince you.

When did you first come to the gardens?  My first session in the garden was in late August (24th) this year and I've been every Sunday since. I first came across the garden on a walk last winter, but didn't realise it was a community project in which anyone could join in. I went to a community event by Cambridge Zero earlier in the summer and saw a flyer about the garden there, and then saw the Sunday sessions on the events page on the Transition Cambridge website. 

What were your first impressions? Great! It's such a beautiful and well-designed space - a peaceful little haven. Everyone was so friendly and welcoming, it didn't feel daunting at all. I was able to get stuck in right away. Yvonne, Jo and Meg have done a wonderful job in giving me a tour and showing me the ropes, and it's lovely to chat to the other volunteers as we garden. 

How often do you come now? I've been coming every Sunday and hope to make it part of my regular routine. 

Do you take home things to eat? - how is the produce divided up? Of course! The produce is delicious. We harvest throughout the session and all the produce gets put on the bench. Then as people are leaving, we each take what we would like. It seems to work well. Anything left over gets put in the hut for others to collect over the next couple of days. 

Does it matter if you know nothing about gardening? No, you just need enthusiasm for getting stuck in. Someone with more experience is always on hand to show you what to do. 

Does it matter if you are not very strong? No, there are plenty of gentle jobs to do. There are a few raised beds, so less bending is required when working on these. And there's always the option to just sit and chat or soak up the atmosphere if you don't want to/ feel able to do any of the tasks. 

If you come other than on a Sunday, can you get at tools and how would you know what needs doing? I think ongoing jobs get written on the blackboard on the shed door, so anyone coming during the week can get on with any of those things. I don't come on any other days, so I don't know about access to tools etc. [I am told they are accessible.]

What is your favourite job and why? I enjoy the variety - no week has been the same. Weeding can be quite satisfying, especially if you're clearing to plant something new. Planting is always rewarding too - it's so nice to see how much things have grown from week to week. Isn't the plant world wonderful? 

How is coming to ECCG different from having an allotment or growing veg and fruit at home? I don't have an allotment or a garden at home, so ECCG gives me the opportunity to stretch my green fingers - something I would struggle to do otherwise. But I think the main difference is the community aspect of the garden - the sense of feeling like part of a bigger team, the opportunity to learn from others, and to enjoy other people's company whilst doing something that feels rewarding and therapeutic. 

ECCG invites volunteers to dig in every Sunday 10.30 to 12.30(ish) ; sometimes we have a planning meeting afterwards over a shared lunch