Coming together at Hillfields Community Centre & Garden

For one day every year, we down office tools, roll up our sleeves, and gather together for a team volunteering activity at a local community space. For several years, we helped the team at Elm Tree Farm – a working farm dedicated to supporting adults with learning disabilities – with land and building maintenance. We made friends and made a difference.

This year, building on the principles of teamwork, outdoor activity, giving back to local communities – and, of course, some hard graft! – we offered our spirit and skills to Hillfields Community Centre & Garden in Kingswood, Bristol.

A valuable hub for all to enjoy

Designed for and built by the local community, Hillfields Community Centre & Garden is a truly special Charitable Incorporated Organisation shaped by its members.

Activities, events and workshops are hosted at the centre – and local residents regularly gather and nurture each other through growing edible plants, spending time in nature and sharing healthy meals together.

Hard graft, hardy hands, happy hearts

As soon as we arrived, the effort and love that had been poured into the space were obvious, and there was no holding us back. We got stuck into gardening and grounds maintenance, including edging and creating pathways, adding compost and mulch to flower and raised beds, and cutting back overgrown areas ready for winter. We also planted fresh greenery and did some litter picking to keep the grounds clean and inviting.

The weather was mostly on our side, but when the clouds loomed and the heavens opened, we did a spot of decorating inside the centre – helping give the space a fresh feel.

It was a truly wonderful day – tiring, rewarding, and bonding in equal parts. These once-a-year activities mean a lot to our team, but choosing to give our time and energy to important social projects means even more.

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