I first began working at St Ann’s Allotments in 2004 as part of a project within a hostel in Sneinton for homeless people. Long-term unemployed and with nothing to do, the allotments became a favourite past-time and the highlight of my week.
A few years down the line in 2014, I was living in a flat and, although not the most fulfilling work for me, I was now employed in the retail and hospitality sector. Remembering how much I’d previously enjoyed the outdoors, I applied to volunteer at STAA to reconnect with nature again. I began volunteering at the Urban Nature Garden and this gave a boost to my self-esteem. I began exploring college courses in wildlife/gardening with a long-term view to work in this area. Later that year I began a course at Nottingham Trent University in horticulture. Volunteering with STAA provided a great alternative to studying, but also complemented my course in a practical way.
I drifted away from the allotments in 2017 whilst working night shifts, partly because I was always so tired, but during a chance encounter with Lucy (STAA’s Volunteer Coordinator) at a nature reserve during Summer 2020, I was offered the chance to return – So I’m back again, this time as a ‘Garden Ranger’ – a new role set up by Lucy. Being currently self-employed as a gardener/landscape gardener gives me the flexibility to come to the allotments whenever I please. So, I am now volunteering across three projects on alternate Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays and I’m continuing to learn about allotments, wildlife conservation, and heritage gardening.
My reasons for volunteering have changed over time. Initially, it was something productive to do with my life whilst I was out of work that didn’t involve alcohol or drugs. Then later on when I was working, the allotments created an out-of-work pass-time and some balance in my life – A healthy way to relax and engage in therapeutic, outdoor, nature-based activities, and a way to meet many different people.
Volunteering with STAA provides something intangible that I don’t get elsewhere in life. I love the outdoors and nature, and the Allotments at St Ann’s are like an oasis providing some escapism from city life and the rest of society. However, there is a rich community spirit at the allotments so there is the opportunity to engage with others and mingle with like-minded people. The allotments also offer me an opportunity to be useful, where I can contribute to the positive development of projects that I feel are beneficial to our local environment and the whole planet.
Join us
If Colin’s story has inspired you, you can find out more about volunteering with us here: https://staa-allotments.org.uk/volunteering-with-staa/
