Volunteer Landscape Architects and Ecologists
East London Waterworks Park
About East London Waterworks Park
East London Waterworks Park is a community-led charity working to reconnect people and nature. Grounded in nature-first principles and inclusivity, we collaborate with local communities to co-design spaces that unlock long-term transformation of both people and place.
Our work includes:
- co-designing East London Waterworks Park with the East London community, working towards purchasing a 14-acre Thames Water depot in Waltham Forest and transforming it into a biodiverse urban park with free, accessible wild swimming and welcoming community spaces
- co-designing other nature-first spaces on disused or brownfield land in London, returning land to nature in collaboration with local communities to encourage long–term community stewardship
- hosting engagement, education, and empowerment activities that build skills, confidence and deeper connections to nature.
As ELWP enters a pivotal phase of growth – with multiple projects moving toward delivery in 2026 and beyond – we are seeking landscape architects and ecologists at all levels of experience to join our team on a voluntary basis.
What’s in it for you?
By joining our diverse, interdisciplinary team, you will help shape a pioneering model of community-led urban wilding.
You may contribute to:
- Site investigations and landscape/ecological mapping
- Concept and detailed design development (technical drawings skills desired)
- Community co-design and engagement
- Urban habitat creation and delivery
- Ecological monitoring and evaluation
- Supporting community planting and upskilling sessions
- Working collaboratively within a mission-driven charity
There is flexibility to contribute at a level that suits your availability and interests, with opportunities to take ownership of specific workstreams if desired. For team members based in London, there are opportunities to join regular in-person sessions.
We are happy to support you in your professional development and provide references where appropriate.
About East London Waterworks Park
East London Waterworks Park is a community-led charity working to reconnect people and nature. Starting from nature-first principles, and with inclusivity at the heart of everything we do, we work with communities to co-design spaces to unlock a chain of positive changes that culminate in the long-term transformation of people and place.
Our work includes:
- co-designing East London Waterworks Park with the East London community, working towards purchasing a 14-acre Thames Water depot in Waltham Forest and transforming it into a biodiverse urban park with free, accessible wild swimming and welcoming community spaces
- co-designing other nature-first spaces on disused or brownfield land in London, returning land to nature in collaboration with local communities to encourage long–term community stewardship
- hosting engagement, education, and empowerment activities that build skills, confidence and deeper connections to nature.
East London Waterworks Park is a community-led charity working to reconnect people and nature. Starting from nature-first principles, and with inclusivity at the heart of everything we do, we work with communities to co-design spaces to unlock a chain of positive changes that culminate in the long-term transformation of people and place. Our work includes: co-designing East London Waterworks Park with the East London community, working towards purchasing a 14-acre Thames Water depot in Waltham Forest and transforming it into a biodiverse urban park with free, accessible wild swimming and welcoming community spaces co-designing other nature-first spaces on disused or brownfield land in London, returning land to nature in collaboration with local communities to encourage long–term community stewardship hosting engagement, education, and empowerment activities that build skills, confidence and deeper connections to nature.
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