Student Volunteer Weekends

Thanks so much for expressing an interest in joining CAT’s Student Volunteer Community.

Volunteers were responsible for starting CAT 50 years ago. Today, they still form an invaluable part of the CAT family.

Our volunteers help us to manage the site throughout the year, contributing to the upkeep of our gardens, woodlands, water systems and buildings. Volunteers also support our charitable work through fundraising, marketing and communications and the Innovation Lab.

What to expect

Our Student Volunteering programme is an excellent opportunity to gain new skills and work experience, meet a range of interesting and friendly new people from other courses and contribute to CAT’s work in a hands-on way.

Student Volunteering is offered within CAT’s Gardens, Woodlands and Water, and Building Maintenance Teams and is open to all current CAT students. Please see individual weekend dates for opportunities to volunteer within these teams.

What we offer

CAT offers free accommodation and catering for all volunteers during the student volunteering weekend, which is bookable via the booking block below.

If you have any questions, special interests, relevant skills or qualifications, or access considerations please get in touch with the Volunteer Manager holly.owen@cat.org.uk ahead of the weekend.

Student Volunteer Weekends 2025 / 2026

7 & 8 March 2026 – CAT’s Growing Field

Join Dr Rebecca Kent, CAT’s Senior Lecturer and Programme Leaderto bring the vegetable field (below the eco cabins) back into production. 

These practical volunteer weekends will involve general tidying up, clearing and cutting back of vegetation, repairing compost bays, getting compost and wood chip lined up for paths and beds.

14 & 15 March 2026 – Sustainable Woodland Management

Join CAT’s Woodland team for this practical weekend in CAT’s sustainably managed woodland Coed Gwern. Learn how we manage our woodland and help to carry out seasonal land management tasks.

18 & 19 April 2026 – CAT’s Growing Field

Join Dr Rebecca Kent, CAT’s Senior Lecturer and Programme Leaderto bring the vegetable field (below the eco cabins) back into production. 

These practical volunteer weekends will involve general tidying up, clearing and cutting back of vegetation, repairing compost bays, getting compost and wood chip lined up for paths and beds.

16 & 17 May 2026 – CAT’s Growing Field

Join Dr Rebecca Kent, CAT’s Senior Lecturer and Programme Leaderto bring the vegetable field (below the eco cabins) back into production. 

These practical volunteer weekends will involve general tidying up, clearing and cutting back of vegetation, repairing compost bays, getting compost and wood chip lined up for paths and beds.

13 & 14 June 2026 – Sustainable Materials Week Preparation

Join this practical, all hands on deck weekend as we prepare for the our Sustainable Materials Week module.

20 & 21 June 2026 – CAT’s Growing Field

Join Dr Rebecca Kent, CAT’s Senior Lecturer and Programme Leaderto bring the vegetable field (below the eco cabins) back into production. 

These practical volunteer weekends will involve general tidying up, clearing and cutting back of vegetation, repairing compost bays, getting compost and wood chip lined up for paths and beds.

Accommodation

Meals

Only Dinner is available on the first day of the volunteer weekend. To book the next day’s Lunch and Breakfast, select the correct date.