The best places for animal volunteering in London

If you’re an animal lover living in London, these volunteering opportunities are great for spending extra time with the furry, wooly, silky kind. Whether you’re looking for some regular animal volunteering in London, or something that’s more of a one-off event, there’s something for you. Here are five of the best places you can volunteer in and close to London. 

Stepney City Farm

Residents in the borough of Tower Hamlets or those willing to go the distance can volunteer at Stepney City Farm. However, due to it being a small organisation, volunteering opportunities are only available for those volunteering on a set programme as there is a need for induction and supervision. These programmes include: Greencare Volunteering The Greencare group is a supported volunteering initiative designed for adults aged 18 and over who have experienced mental health issues, disabilities, or neurodivergence. Participants engage in gardening and animal care activities, fostering connections with nature and the community. Sessions are held twice weekly, on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 pm to 4 pm. While regular attendance is encouraged to maximise benefits, it’s not mandatory. Due to its popularity, there is a short waiting list for this program. Food Growing Traineeships Annually, the farm offers a six-month Food Growing Traineeship for up to ten participants. This hands-on program, conducted one day per week, covers the entire growing cycle—from planning and planting to harvesting. It’s an excellent opportunity for those looking to gain practical experience in sustainable agriculture. Communications Committee Volunteering The farm also seeks volunteers with expertise in communications and marketing to join its Communications Committee. This role involves attending monthly meetings where tasks are allocated to committee members, contributing to the farm’s outreach and engagement efforts.

Mudchute Park & Farm

Another farm Tower Hamlets residents can choose to volunteer at is Mudchute Park & Farm. There are a number of ways to support Mudchute as a volunteer. Volunteer roles offered include Farmyard Assistant, Administration Assistant, Mudchute Ambassador, Events Volunteer, Gardening and Biodiversity and Farm Shop Assistant. You could also opt for their work placements, which is available for those aged 16 and above. These placements are available in various areas, including the farm, children’s centre, and open spaces, providing hands-on experience in a supportive environment.

Wormwood Scrubs Pony Centre

South West London residents can head on over to the Wormwood Scrubs Pony Centre if seeking to volunteer at the stables. Located in the borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, Wormwood offers two main volunteering opportunities for London, which are riding for the disabled (RDA) and helping out at the stables yard. RDA volunteer duties can range from leading and side walking, fundraising, coaching and event help. Volunteering at the stables yard includes assisting with mucking out, grooming, tacking up and much more.

Vauxhall City Farm

Located in South West London, Vauxhall City Farm is a charity reliant on volunteers. At Vauxhall City Farm there’s a role for everyone. Volunteer roles offered include working at the front desk, farmyard, community garden or taking on roles in education/ training and events. If you’re enthusiastic about hands-on animal care, you’ll probably want to opt for the Farmyard Volunteer position. Responsibilities include cleaning stables, handling various animals like chickens and guinea pigs, and general farm maintenance. No prior experience is necessary; however, a commitment to regular participation on weekdays or weekends is essential. So whether you just desire to make people feel welcome, willing to roll up your sleeves and be hands on taking care of the animals or maintain the community garden there’s something for you.

Belmont Farm

 

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North London residents specifically in the borough of Barnet interested in animal volunteering should look no further than Belmont Farm. Belmont Farm offers volunteer opportunities for young people giving them the chance to be hands on working with a diverse range of farm animals. As part of your volunteer experience, you’ll also learn about animal care and agriculture. Volunteering will give you the chance to engage with visitors and educated them on the importance of animal welfare and agriculture. For those who read in search for an animal related volunteering opportunity, I hope one of the five suggestions appealed to you. If you read and decided you still want to volunteer in the country’s capital but realised you aren’t up for the task of helping animals, here’s a variety of different ways to volunteer in London.