Hadleigh Farm Estate are joining forces with the environmental regulator Natural England for an ambitious rewilding scheme.

We will be introducing plant species native to wet grassland to encourage protected invertebrates including the great crested newt and slow worms to make Hadleigh their home as well as attracting birds such as sparrows, skylarks, linnets, yellowhammers, grey partridges, wintering waders and wildfowl.

The majority of the designated area is currently open grassland covered with scrub, with some currently used as farmland.

Local people and visitors will notice fencing work, including scrub clearance, around Hadleigh Castle and areas around the boundary of the marshland getting underway in July 2024. More gates will also be installed to allow the rewilding land to fully establish and to maintain existing rights of way.

Later in the year, ditches and gutters will be created on the marsh, while the existing farm track along the northern boundary of the marsh will also be renovated.

 Work is set to continue throughout the summer until the end of 2024. Visitors will be able to enjoy the new space from various viewpoints from early next year. 

Please see the map for the location of the rewilding scheme.

Upcoming Events

We have a number of different volunteering opportunities available across Hadleigh Farm Estate. from supporting adults with additional support needs at Hadleigh Training Centre, assisting with maintenance or working with animals on the Rare Breeds Centre.

Volunteering is one of the most rewarding things you can do and the benefits include:

• Meeting new people
• Giving something back to a cause or your community
• Making a difference to the lives of others
• Learning new skills
• Gaining confidence and self-esteem
• Trying something different
• Having fun!

Volunteering Opportunities

NEW -Singing by Heart Volunteer

‘Singing by Heart’ is a singing group that offers people living with dementia and their carers a chance to enjoy a fun music activity within a supportive environment, but we need your help to make this happen!

As a ‘Singing by Heart Volunteer’, you’ll be welcoming and talking to people living with dementia and their carers, helping them to feel at ease. Once the singing session starts, you’ll provide encouragement to participate in the activity.  When the session is over we’d love some help serving refreshments and chatting to our guests.

The group will launch on Thursday 12 September 2024 and will run fortnightly.

NEW - Events Volunteer

We’re looking for friendly, outgoing individuals to join our event volunteer crew. 

This new and exciting role involves supporting our large community events in a variety of ways and would suit anyone that enjoys getting stuck in, working within a team, and having fun!

Event volunteering is suitable for someone who would prefer to be involved as and when required, rather than make a regular commitment.

Learning Support Volunteer

Are you a good communicator and looking for a  rewarding role supporting others? Based at Hadleigh Training Centre, Learning Support volunteers support our trainees to meet their outcomes, which may include communication, self-esteem, motivation and general social interaction. Age 18+.  

Mondays - supporting trainees in our Upcycling Workshop

Wednesdays - supporting trainees in our Outside Group

Admin Support Volunteer

To support the Business Administration team with Reception duties and general admin tasks.  Role available Monday and Friday 9am - 1pm

Rare Breeds Centre Volunteer Opportunities (age 16+) 

All available 7 days a week

Animal Care Volunteer - 8.30am - 5pm

To assist the Rare Breeds Centre with maintaining high levels of animal husbandry and welfare.

Sheep, Goat and Alpaca Volunteer - 8.30am to 12.30pm, 10am to 2pm, 11am to 3pm or 1pm to 5pm

To assist the Rare Breeds Centre with maintaining high levels of animal husbandry and welfare for our sheep, goats and alpaca's (ruminants).

Donkey, Pony, Pigs and Poultry Volunteer - 8.30am to 12.30pm, 10am to 2pm, 11am to 3pm or 1pm to 5pm

To assist the Rare Breeds Centre with maintaining high levels of animal husbandry and welfare for our Donkey, Pony, Pigs and Poultry (non-ruminants).

Small Animal Volunteer - 8.30am to 12.30pm, 10am to 2pm, 11am to 3pm or 1pm to 5pm

To assist the Rare Breeds Centre with maintaining high levels of animal husbandry and welfare for our small animals.

Grounds Maintenance and Gardening Volunteer -  8.30am to 12.30pm, 10am to 2pm, 11am to 3pm or 1pm to 5pm, all day or half day

To help maintain the grounds of the Rare Breeds Centre.

Admin Volunteer (Rare Breeds Centre) -  8.30am to 12.30pm, 10am to 2pm, 11am to 3pm or 1pm to 5pm

To provide administrative support and good customer service for the Rare Breeds Centre

Stuff on the Bus Volunteer - Canvey Island

Do you enjoy meeting people and contributing to their wellbeing? Are you friendly and impartial? If so, there’s a volunteering role for you on our new Community Food Bus “Stuff on the Bus”. You will be a vital part of the operation, volunteering with a great team in this new community project.   

Role Available: Tuesdays or Fridays 9.30am – 12.30pm, 1.30pm – 4.30pm or all day

Community Volunteer - Canvey Island

Do you enjoy meeting new people? Are you good at instigating conversation? Are you friendly, welcoming, and empathetic? Come and volunteer in our Community Hub, where we offer a space for families to meet and enjoy the company of others.  

For more information on all our volunteering opportunities, please email hfeadmin@salvationarmy.org.uk  or phone 01702 426260 

Corporate Volunteering

We also offer Corporate Volunteer days. 

Some of the benefits of Corporate Volunteering include:

• Gain knowledge about Hadleigh Farm Estate and the work we do in the local area.
• Enhance and build relationships within teams and individuals.
• Build confidence working outside comfort zones .
• Develop a sense of achievement. 
• Spend a day doing something different.

Please contact our Community Engagement Coordinator on 01702 426260 or email hfeadmin@salvationarmy.org.uk to discuss opportunities and availability.

Thank you for your interest in working for Hadleigh Farm Estate.  

As a disability confident scheme employer, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy.   Promoting equality in the workplace.

Please see our current vacancies

Training Programme Lead (X2) - OCT20246494

Deadline extended to 22 November 2024

For more information and to apply https://careers.salvationarmy.org.uk/vacancies/vacancy/YVJ4b2wzbHpSWUVjR3M2RG9Kc2wxQT09/training-programme-lead

Training Programme Facilitator - NOV20248322

For more information and to apply please see

https://careers.salvationarmy.org.uk/vacancies/vacancy/S3VDWFRPS1lTd2tjR3M2RG9Kc2wxQT09/training-programme-facilitator-various-full-part-time-opportunities-available

It's never been easier to make a donation to support the work carried out by Hadleigh Farm Estate.

You can make a donation through the Donation Buttons on our website or use one of our Donation Stations based at The Hub Cafe and the Rare Breeds Centre.

Donations

We welcome donations of items in good useable condition to support the work we do and reduce our negative impact on the environment. Please check our social media for items we are looking for.

If you are looking to fund a project in the local community please email hfeadmin@salvationarmy.org.uk to discuss opportunities.