Community HarvestWelcome
A short guide for new and prospective members.
After you apply
Once you've filled in the application form, your details land with our committee. We meet regularly to review applications. You'll hear back from us by email — most applicants get a reply within two weeks.
CHW has limited capacity, so we can't always say yes immediately. If we're full, we'll let you know and offer to add you to our waiting list. We'll be in touch as soon as a space opens up.
Want to come and see the farm before applying? You can book a farm visit here. Bring boots, an open mind, and any questions.
About Community Harvest Whetstone
We're a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) co-operative at Whetstone Pastures Farm, Leicestershire. Since 2009, we've connected local people with the land that feeds them.
Members hold a £1 share in the society and either take a weekly box of seasonal vegetables (a "crop share") or support the co-op as a member without a box. Everyone contributes something — growing, cooking, delivering, organising, or simply turning up. We make decisions collectively under our registered Rules.
What we believe
Community Harvest Whetstone came together in service of the land, knowing that, with dedication and care, the land would reciprocate. As we've developed in our relationship, the land has proved far more generous than we could ever be.
We grow food without harmful chemicals. We work with the seasons. We share the surplus and we share the lean weeks too. We trust each other, we look after each other, and we look after the soil.
The fuller version of this is on our Guiding Principles page.
How to get involved
Turn up at the farm
The simplest way. Members work on the farm year-round — planting, weeding, harvesting, tea-making. There's always something to do, and nobody minds beginners. Wear boots.
Log your hours
Members can log volunteer hours in their dashboard. It helps us understand who's contributing what, and means we can recognise your time fairly.
Share what you spot
See a sparrowhawk, a wildflower, an unusual bee? Upload it to the wildlife observations page. We're building a living record of what shares the land with us.
Share a recipe
Made something delicious from this week's box? Add it to the recipes section. Especially useful for the leafy-green weeks when everyone's wondering what to do with all this chard.
Tell the committee what you can do
When you join we'll ask you to fill in a short skills survey. It helps us call on the right people when we need a particular skill — from accounts, to building, to writing for the newsletter.
Frequently asked
How much does it cost?
The Standard crop share is £55 a month, the Large is £105 a month. Both include a weekly box of seasonal veg. Members without a box can support the co-op monthly or annually — get in touch and we'll discuss what works for you.
How do I get my box?
Boxes are ready to collect from the farm on a weekly schedule. The committee will let you know your collection day and time when you join.
Do I have to volunteer?
No. Many members do — it's a big part of how the co-op runs — but it isn't a requirement. Everyone gives what they can.
What happens if I want to leave?
Email the committee at committee@communityharvest.co.uk and we'll sort it out — usually with a month's notice on the share, or sooner if you need.
How do I log in to the website?
Existing members can create an account. Use the same email address we have on file for you and your account will be linked automatically with full member access. If you sign up with a different email, just write to us and we'll connect them up.
Still got questions?
Email the committee