This Volunteers’ Week, we’re appealing for volunteers to help at our new tree nursery, located at Trewoon near St Austell.
We are flexible and welcome volunteers for one-off sessions or those looking for a longer-term commitment. Tasks include looking after young trees, mulching, gardening, weeding, and building flower beds.
The nursery, which overlooks Carlyon Bay, launched in autumn 2023 as our first social enterprise. The proceeds from selling trees will help our charity generate funding to create a residential community in the Duchy, which will provide accommodation, support, work and training to help formerly homeless people rebuild their lives.
“We are looking for individuals who are interested in supporting a great cause while getting hands-on experience in tree care and gardening”, said Julie Davenport, Tree Nursery Manager at Emmaus Cornwall. “We welcome volunteers of all ages and backgrounds, and we are flexible with their time commitment. All support is greatly appreciated, whether volunteers can help once a week or once a month.”
There are already 30 established Emmaus communities across the UK supporting people out of homelessness and back into employment. Once sufficient funding is secured, our Emmaus community will be the first of its kind in the Duchy.
Commenting on the impact volunteers can have, Julie Davenport further said: “Volunteers at our tree nursery will not just be helping to grow trees and plants. They will be contributing to our goal of supporting people who have experienced homelessness and social exclusion. Rough sleeping in Cornwall has seen a huge increase over the last few years. Our accommodation and support offer are needed now more than ever, and our tree nursery social enterprise and volunteers will help us to achieve that.”
No previous experience in tree care or gardening is required as we will provide all the training and guidance needed. To volunteer or find out more about the Emmaus Cornwall tree nursery, contact [email protected] or visit our Emmaus Community Trees website page.