Growhampton
Not all classrooms have four walls
Growhampton is a food sustainability project focusing on growing fruits, vegetables, and herbs in various environments on campus, from the well-known allotment bed to the forest garden. It also includes a flock of (famous) chickens, many of whom are rescued and rehomed hens. The project invites students to roll up their sleeves, dig into the soil, and experience the wonder of growing their own food. It isn’t just about planting seeds - it’s about being aware of the connections around you, from a healthy soil to the vital pollinating bee all the way to the other people working alongside you. It is about building a deeper connection with nature and people.
Give It A Grow
Drop in and out in our practical group sessions every Thursday morning during term time. Develop practical growing skills and boost your wellbeing by being active outdoors.
Tasks include sowing seeds, weeding, digging, mulching, watering, harvesting, making compost, building wildlife habitats like bug hotels and hibernaculums, and much more.
Chicken Care
Our 365-day-a-year volunteering opportunity involving the most loveable, cheekiest flock of hens. After a short training session, volunteers sign up for a day of chicken care online.
Tasks include letting hens out in the morning (weekdays only), topping up feed and water, giving treats, mucking out, collecting eggs and locking the hens up in the afternoon. On weekends and during the months of November till March, the hens remain locked up all day for their own safety - furry red friends is all we will say here. A good opportunity, even on a busy timetable, to make that feather friend you never knew you needed.
Wellbeing Wednesday
In collaboration with Wellbeing Wednesday, these sessions focus on creativity, community and time spent outdoors. Activities will remain the same for a whole term to allow continuity and the opportunity to return to one’s work.
Activities include sign painting (autumn 2025), writing/reading sessions by the fire (spring 2026), and carpentry (summer 2026).
Sign up here
Any questions? Can’t make chicken training? Not part of the university but still want to get involved? Great! Contact us via growhampton@roehampton.ac.uk