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

8 & 9 November 2025 – 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.

6 & 7 December 2025 – CAT’s Growing Field

Join Dr Rebecca Kent, CAT’s Senior Lecturer and Programme Leader to 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 December 2025 – CAT’s Off Grid Water system

CAT’s Off Grid Water System is essential to everyone who works, visits, and studies at CAT. In this practical weekend we will carry out essential maintenance and building working leading on from the MArch build week project at the beginning of summer.

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.