What we offer

We aim to run sessions involving gardening or conservation or citizen science two to three times each week.

At present we have weekly sessions from 10am - 12 noon on Sundays and 10am - 12 noon on Mondays (longer if the weather is good).

These sessions run on bank holidays, except for any that fall on Christmas Day.

The citizen science group runs 4-weekly on Thursday evenings between 6pm - 7.30pm from March to October.

Chippenham Collective will close every 1st - 31st January.

If the weather is rubbish we will go for a coffee or something similar instead!

Note that, on occasion, there may be a waiting list for a session/s.

[Update April 2024 - Our Monday allotment group is full, but other sessions are open. If you are interested in joining our allotment group we will put you on our waiting list - we hope to expand later this year.]

The 5 steps to mental wellbeing

The NHS promotes 5 ways to improve our mental wellbeing

These are:

Connect with people
Be physically active
Learn something new
Give to others
Pay attention to the present moment

Chippenham Collective aims to give its members the opportunity to do all of this.

The NHS provides more information on the 5 steps to mental wellbeing here.

A typical full work session (10 - 2)

This will change in line with members' wishes, weather and season!

Greetings and welcome
Leader assigns members to the tasks of the day - taking account of preferences
Work on assigned tasks
Leisurely break around mid-day (bring a snack)
Back to the assigned gardening, conservation or citizen science tasks
Tidy up
Plan together for next week
Farewells

REMEMBER - you work at your own pace; you can just listen and observe if you don't want to join in with any aspect of the session. No pressure!

Sunday sessions

Conservation tasks

On Sundays you will find us working in a wooded area about 15 minutes walk from Chippenham town centre with parking nearby.

We will focus on creating a wildlife-friendly environment and identifying and recording the wildlife and plants we see.

There will be plenty of opportunity for chatting too and if that, or anything else, sounds too difficult....REMEMBER, you can do as much or as little as you wish. No pressure!

Monday sessions

Gardening

We are working on an allotment on the east side of Chippenham. The plot is more or less ready for planting. We are planning to improve ur seating area and to install a small polytunnel in 2024.

We will be watching out for wildlife and engaging in citizen science too.

Tuesday sessions

To be confirmed

In our first year we are trying out a number of locations to find out what our members prefer.

Then, if we can raise sufficient funds, we will look for a permanent home which can be made fully accessible. Ideally with some undercover areas which we can use all year.

Monthly Thursday sessions

From March until October

We meet on Thursday evenings every 4 weeks at our woodland site to identify and record the wildlife and plants that we see. All members are welcome to join us - from absolute beginner to world expert!

What to bring and wear

Dress for the weather!

We will always be outdoors so make sure you wear clothes that keep you warm or dry or cool - whatever is needed on the day.

You will need to keep your valuables in your pockets, but we can put your bags on or under a tarpaulin while we work.

If the weather is awful we will head for a coffee shop or somewhere indoors - you will need some money for this.

Your clothes may get dirty or wet - do you need to bring spares for the journey home?
Brambles and thorns are always a risk - long sleeves and long trousers are best.
Walking shoes or boots are recommended. Trainers will do unless it is wet and slippery. No sandals please.
Tea and coffee will be provided, but bring your own bottle of drinking water.
If staying for a full 10am - 2pm session you will need a packed lunch or snack.
If it is sunny, some sort of sun hat and factor 30+ sunscreen will help to protect you.
If it is cold, wet or windy, a woolly hat, scarf and gloves might be required.
Don't forget your bus pass or keys if you need them.