Volunteering

There are many opportunities for people to volunteer around the town, from helping to conserve our green spaces to looking after the animals at Pets’ Corner.  

You will not only be making a very important contribution to Harlow’s community and wildlife, but will also have the opportunity to learn new skills and meet new people.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, complete our volunteer registration form (pdf)

The Town Park volunteers carry out gardening and horticultural work at the Town Park.

They meet every Thursday from 10am to 2pm at the Walled Gardens.

There is also a weekend volunteers group that meets on the second Saturday of the month from 1pm to 3pm.

No previous experience is necessary – just an interest in working outdoors and plenty of enthusiasm is required. Tools, equipment and training are provided.

For more information, email volunteering@harlow.gov.uk 

Harlow Museum and Walled Gardens offer a range of volunteering opportunities for anyone aged 17 and over.

We are proud to welcome our volunteers into a warm, friendly and passionate team, offering training, support and supervision so you can make the most of volunteering with us.

Volunteering shifts are typically 3 hours on a Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday.

You can download a registration form on the Museum’s website.

We recruit specifically for 5 positions:

  1. Gardeners - all aspects of garden maintenance.
  2. Ambassadors - greeter at the desk or object accessioning.
  3. Education – helping with school visits and preparation of loan boxes and outreach.
  4. Archiving – researching, sourcing materials for enquiries using MODES and exhibitions.
  5. Specialists – metal, coins, cycle collection, textiles or archaeology.
     

The Leah Manning Centre volunteers help with social activities, such as arts and crafts, quizzes, singing and games. There are also occasional outings, like trips to the bowling alley or restaurants, where volunteers are needed to assist people in wheelchairs.

You do not need any special skills, but having a hobby or interest to share is very helpful.

For more information, email leah.manning@harlow.gov.uk

Pets' Corner offers many volunteering opportunities, including working with the animals, helping with events and in our gift shop.

Volunteering can be any day of the week, for a couple of hours, or all day - all we ask for is enthusiasm and a love of animals, as training is given on site.

Volunteers at Pets' Corner need to be aged 14 years and over. 

For more information, email Senior Animal Carer and Education Officer, Karen Hughes karen.hughes@harlow.gov.uk

The Playhouse is regularly on the lookout for volunteers to join its team of dedicated Ushers.

Ushering can be weekly or monthly depending on the time you want to commit.

Ushering duties are rewarded with tickets to Playhouse performances and other benefits. Full training is provided and it can be a very sociable and rewarding experience.

For more information, look at the Harlow Playhouse website

There are plenty of opportunities for volunteering at the Gibberd Gallery, whether it's one day a month or a regular morning slot.

If you can’t commit to a time, they also need volunteers who are able to help with the putting up and taking down of exhibitions - every 2 to 3 months.

Whatever your skills we can use them and in turn we can offer a friendly and artistic environment to spend your spare time, and the opportunity to meet new people and develop your skills.

For more information, look at the Sculpture Town website.

This group carries out conservation work at Parndon Wood such as scrub clearance, pond dredging and bridge building.

They meet every Tuesday from 10am to 1pm.

No previous experience is necessary. Tools and equipment are provided.

For more information, email wildspace@harlow.gov.uk

There are many opportunities to volunteer at Parndon Wood – run by ECCO.

Work will involve helping to maintain the reserve, serving in the café or carrying out species surveys.

For more information, look at the Parndon Wood website

Harlow Conservation Volunteers work to conserve the town’s wildlife and countryside.

The group meets every week on a Sunday on a site in or around Harlow.

They carry out practical conservation work such as managing woodlands, building boardwalks and bridges, clearing out ponds, maintaining marshland habitats, and managing wild flower meadows.

For more information, visit the Harlow Conservation Volunteers website or email hcv@harlowwildlife.org.uk

The Harlow Greenteam is a group of volunteers supported by Harlow Council, who work to improve biodiversity in the town.

Tasks run every Wednesday from 10am to 3pm, but anytime you can spare is greatly appreciated.

Tasks include trail maintenance, producing firewood, log cutting, charcoal making and coppicing in autumn or winter. During the spring and summer, they plant wildflowers, clear ponds, build bridges, steps, and boardwalks, and even make charcoal.

The group involves people of all ages in its practical work. No prior experience is required. Training, tools, protective gear and materials are all provided.

For more information, email volunteering@harlow.gov.uk 

Epping Forest and Harlow Community Transport is a charity that meets the needs of local people who for various reasons are unable to use conventional public transport.

The team organises different services such as dial-a-ride, social car transport, voluntary, community groups and community buses.

We regularly need volunteers for social car drivers, minibus drivers and trustees. The charity is looking for people who are interested in going that extra mile, delivering transport for those who are unable to access conventional transport. Out of pocket expenses are reimbursed and training is provided.

For more information, email volunteering@harlow.gov.uk