Volunteer
Canterbury Oast Trust
Visit COT’s Rare Breeds Centre part of our Life Skills programmes.
Volunteering at COT
At Canterbury Oast Trust we are incredibly lucky to have a wonderful team of regular volunteers who give their time and energy to support our work in Life Skills, accommodations and the Rare Breeds Centre. But there’s always room for more helping hands!
Do you have some time to spare and want to work on something truly worthwhile? Whether it’s a few hours a week or just now and then, volunteering with us is a brilliant way to give back, gain experience, and meet like-minded people. We’ll cover some travel costs and provide all the training you’ll need.
All we ask for is a cheerful, friendly attitude and a willingness to get stuck in.
Ways you can help if you love the outdoors
If you love the farm and would enjoy spending more time in the great outdoors, we’re looking for volunteers:
- At weekends to welcome visitors, answer questions, and help people find their way around.
- To drive our visitors around the farm on daily tractor-trailer rides.
- To help with projects for our Plants and Produce life skills programme.
- To work on conservation projects at the Rare Breeds Centre and Poulton Wood.
Person-centred volunteering
Supporting people is at the heart of what we do. We’d love more volunteer support in these areas too where you can make a real difference in people’s lives. You could:
- Help students build confidence with customer service in our restaurant or gift shop
- Support culinary skills in our training kitchen
- Become a buddy to someone in our accommodation services
Practical help on the farm, in life skills and accommodation services
If you’re handy with tools or passionate about DIY we’d also really appreciate help with maintenance tasks. These can range from repairing fencing on the farm or maintaining our woodlands to helping decorate an accommodation service user’s room.
Thinking about volunteering in retirement?
We’d love to have you!
Retirement brings the gift of time – and many people find it’s the perfect moment to give back, stay active, and try something new. At COT, we welcome volunteers of all ages, and our retired volunteers are some of the most valued members of our team.
Whether you want to be outdoors and on the farm, meet new people, or simply feel part of a wonderful cause, there’s a place for you here.
What can volunteering can offer you?
- A renewed sense of purpose – Making a difference in someone else’s life is one of the most rewarding things you can do. Many of our volunteers say they get just as much out of it as they give.
- New friendships – Volunteering is a great way to meet new people who are interested in the same things. You’ll become part of a community where everyone is welcomed and appreciated.
- Keeping active and engaged – Whether you’re helping visitors around the farm, supporting one of our life skills programmes, or helping someone in our accommodation services, you’ll be staying mentally and physically active.
- Sharing your skills (or learning new ones) – From gardening and maintenance to cooking or customer service, your life experience is invaluable – and we also offer full training for anything new.
Volunteering is flexible
Join in when you can
There’s no long-term commitment needed. Whether you’d like to help weekly, monthly, or just from time to time, we’ll find something that fits your interests and schedule.
If you’d enjoy being part of a warm, welcoming charity that’s making a real difference to people’s lives – and having a bit of fun along the way – we’d be delighted to chat with you.
Looking to volunteer for your DofE?
If you’re working towards your Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and want your volunteering to make a real difference, whether you’re passionate about the environment, animal care, or fundraising, we’d love to hear from you.
We’ve proudly supported many young people on their DofE journeys, offering meaningful opportunities that are both rewarding and hands-on. Whether you’re helping with conservation, caring for animals, or raising vital funds for our charity, your time and energy will be genuinely valued.
Join us, gain new skills, meet new friends, and make a real impact on the natural world around you. We’d be delighted to have you on board.
Contact our volunteer coordinator for a friendly chat
For an informal conversation about how to get involved, give Paul, our Volunteer Coordinator, a ring on 01233 861493 or complete this form to email Paul. He’d love to hear from you!