Spotlight on: Maria Stoica – finding her feet in London at Oasis City Farm

When she moved to London from rural Romania, the stark contrast between city and countryside was for Maria, unsettling. But after becoming a Dot Dot Dot guardian in 2016, she began searching for a volunteering opportunity that could help her maintain a connection with the countryside. It also meant Maria was helping to make London a greener and more sustainable city for all. 

When I first moved to the UK from Romania, London seemed big and daunting. I grew up rurally, surrounded by animals and nature, and so at first it felt like a stark contrast to what I was used to. For a long time I struggled to feel a connection to the city, and although I was working and building friendships here, the sounds and sights of the capital still felt unfamiliar. 

Becoming a Dot Dot Dot guardian in 2016 brought about a turning point in my life here. Having a busy work life meant that volunteering wasn’t something I’d had a chance to do before, but I was willing to give it a go and get started. One of the things that I was homesick for was the peace and quiet of the countryside, so I wanted to find a voluntary opportunity that showed me that this can be found in the city – that’s when I discovered Oasis City Farm near London Waterloo station. 

They have taken a disused piece of land and turned it into a really great volunteer-run space for the community and children to come and learn about animals and how to care for the natural world. They keep sheep, goats, chickens and rabbits and grow their own organic food and plants that are sold to local schools and visitors of the farm. It’s a great space for disadvantaged children in the community to attend workshops called Farming, Family and Therapy. They help them to focus on their potential at school and improve their self-esteem. 

My own volunteering happens early in the morning. I arrive at 7.30am when the area is quiet and peaceful. I’m the first one to take care of the animals, water the plants, check on the vegetables and ensure that everything is ready for when the doors open to visitors at 9am. These early mornings have become an important part of my routine. Starting my day with nature and seeing the city from a different perspective is incredibly rewarding and something I really look forward to. 

I’ve now volunteered here for over a year and each time I visit, I feel like I’m contributing to making London a better and greener place for the benefit of everyone. It gives me a focus and has really helped me to feel at home and grounded in a place that would otherwise still feel intimidating. At first it may feel like a challenge to do it but you just need to find the right option for you. 

I know that through Dot Dot Dot and my volunteering that I will always look to volunteer with animals and nature in the future as it’s become a valuable support network to me.

Read more stories from our 10 great guardians who we’re highlighting as part of our tenth birthday celebrations.