Meet Our Volunteer Hayley

We rely on volunteers to support our projects. Here’s a story of one volunteer who gave up her time to support with planting and potting herbs in preparation for Green Patch’s plant sale.

Hayley Pike, an Account Assistant from Oundle, has always had a green finger, and has supported many Community Growing projects in London, prior to her move to her Northamptonshire home. When she discovered Green Patch, she reached out to see how she could get involved and reconnect with nature.

“I came to Green Patch in June, and at first glance, I felt excited, inspired and grateful to see green community assets that have had time and love invested into them. I strongly believe that it is integral to the community and humans to have that calm space, and Green Patch seems like that place to so many people.

“Before moving to Northamptonshire, I both volunteered and studied at ‘Organiclea’ in East London – which is a community project that grows organic food, close to the Lea Valley. When I moved from London for work, I craved that connection to the earth again, and that’s when I discovered Green Patch.

“I gifted one day’s volunteering to Green Patch, where I met so many volunteers, and worked closely with some to pot Thyme, Basil, Mint and Rocket. Green Patch had a plant sale coming up, so alongside Andrew and David, two volunteers, we managed to pot around 100 herbs ready for sale. There were many people dropping in throughout the day, both visitors and volunteers. There were groups of pre-schoolers using the sensory bare footpath, and learning to connect with nature which was a highlight for me.

“One thing I have learned about Green Patch was how much work they do with youth groups and inspiring young children. I loved the green influences wall art, where children wrote their ‘green’ knowledge and what they love about Green Patch on leaves. I predominantly thought Green Patch was about growing, but I saw that it’s so much more. They are dedicated to educating the younger generation, and working with the community to provide a green sanctuary for people to enjoy. I’m hoping to volunteer more days in the future, particularly on future weekend events to carve out time around my work hours.”

Find out more about Green Patch.