Zeno Gives Back: Making an Impact… One Muck Heap at a Time!
Earlier this month, Zeno London swapped the comfort of our Old Street digs for a day of volunteering at Freightliners City Farm, as part of our annual Zeno Gives Back initiative. Launched globally in 2019, Zeno Gives Back is a day when all Zeno employees across the globe volunteer their time to help worthwhile causes in their home cities.
As a team passionate about sustainability, Freightliners was a natural choice. Nestled in the heart of Islington and just a stone’s throw from our office, this two-and-a-half-acre urban oasis offers vital green space to Londoners who otherwise lack access. It’s not just a sanctuary for animals, it’s a hub for environmental education, community wellbeing and hands-on learning. During our visit alone, three local school groups explored the farm, connecting with everything from food growing to animal care.
The Farm relies heavily on volunteers to keep things running smoothly, so with wellies on, raincoats packed and spirits high, Team ZL set out to lend a hand. The forecast threatened rain, but the weather gods were in our corner - just as we arrived, the clouds parted and the sun made a timely appearance. Stepping into this lush, green haven, surrounded by bleating goats and curious chickens, we instantly knew we were in for a special kind of Friday.
With a long to-do list and plenty of willing hands, we split into five teams to tackle a range of essential tasks. One group got to work pruning hedges and clearing overgrowth to help renovate a well-worn footpath. Another dove into the vegetable beds, pulling weeds and preparing soil for the next crop. Another team took on fence repairs to keep the livestock safe and secure, while others fed and tended to the animals (with more than a few bunny snuggles along the way). And of course, no farm day is complete without the muck heap… AKA “shovelling s***”. Glamorous? No. Satisfying? Hell yes! and in fact a firm favourite amongst the leadership team with our Financial Director saying he could “do this all day!”.
By the end of the day, we’d clocked over 200 volunteer hours, giving farm staff back valuable time to focus on what they do best…supporting community learning and wellbeing.
But Zeno Gives Back is about more than just lending a hand, it’s about leaning in. It’s about throwing yourself into something new, something meaningful, and doing it side by side with your teammates. Let’s face it, it’s hard not to bond when you're knee-deep in cow manure. Most of all, the day reminded us that our impact as communicators can and should go beyond campaigns. It’s about showing up for our communities, with open hands and open hearts.
Check out the Freightliners Farm website for more information on volunteer opportunities.
