Volunteering during COVID 19 restrictions

We will have slots for volunteering in the Locavore Garden at Martello School and Brampton Lodge Garden at various times during the week throughout the lockdown period and Tier 4 restrictions, these must be booked in advance. 

Please email locavore@customfoodlab.org for more details.

PLEASE DO NOT COME TO ONE OF OUR GARDENS if you should be self-isolating, e.g. because you or a member of your household have COVID-19 symptoms, or you have been advised that you have been in contact with a person who has tested positive for COVID-19.  

If you are at higher risk from Coronavirus (including people aged over 70, people who are pregnant and people with an underlying medical condition), YOU ARE WELCOME TO JOIN US, but you should take extra care to strictly follow physical distancing guidance.

Tool sharing

The sharing of tools, gloves etc. is strongly discouraged due to the risk of transmission of COVID-19. If at all possible, we encourage you to bring your own gloves – please let us know if you are unable to do this and we will have some ready for you.  Any onsite tools will be disinfected after each use.

Food and drink

Volunteers must bring their own drinking water, there is no supply on site. You are discouraged from bringing food and there should be no sharing of food or utensils onsite.

Physical distancing

Compliance with physical distancing of 2 metres is compulsory.  If the task requires closer working with others from outside of your household, you must wear a mask.  There is a supply of disposable masks on site. We will be limiting the number of people within the site at any one time (dependant on the tasks required) and/or considering a one-way system within the site (together with any necessary signage) as appropriate.

Hand hygiene

Volunteers must not forget the importance of handwashing before leaving home to travel to the site, and handwashing as soon as they return home. Handwashing/sanitising facilities are also available on site, but we are not able to provide hot water.

Cleaning and sanitising

Our community food growers will be regularly cleaning and sanitising any communal or frequently used areas e.g. taps and gates. The risk of transmission of COVID-19 at communal areas such as taps and gates will be highlighted via adequate signage.

Please note that we currently do not have access to a toilet at either of our sites, so will be scheduling short volunteering sessions and encourage you to ensure you use a toilet before leaving home to come to the site.

Travel to site

We encourage you to travel to the site via active travel methods such as walking or cycling, or in your own car and only with members of your own household.   We advise you to think carefully before using public transport for travel to the site.

Polytunnels/sheds

Wearing a mask is mandatory inside polytunnels and sheds. Air vents will be opened to maximise air flow where possible. Volunteers must not congregate in a polytunnel, greenhouse or other onsite indoor space.

Disabled people and children and young people

We want the garden to be available to as many people as possible during this difficult time.  If you have any access requirements or need any assistance, please contact us.

THANK YOU! STAY SAFE