Garden volunteer roles

Summary

The gardening and growing volunteer will support our accommodation sites in maintaining their outdoor spaces at our sites across Hertfordshire and Bucks including

Brindle Court, Watford
Northgate End, Bishop's Stortford
Our smaller sites in Stevenage, Hoddesdon and Hemel Hempstead 
Crest Rd, High Wycombe

Detailed description

Having access to a secure garden or outdoor area can be crucial for providing opportunities to socialise and relax, which can be invaluable for the mental well-being of our residents.

The gardening and growing volunteer will support our accommodation sites in maintaining their outdoor spaces, including:

·Weeding

·Sweeping

·Pruning

·Clearing leaves and large twigs

·Watering plants

·Planting bulbs and tidying up flower beds

We would love for this to be an opportunity to involve our residents and potentially lead a gardening activity with them, equipping them with knowledge and skills to maintain their own green spaces in the future. 

You will need:

• Enjoy working outside in all weathers.
• An interest/basic knowledge of gardening
• Role requires some degree of physical work and lifting/manual handling
• To work under your own initiative.
• Good communication skills
• Opportunity to meet new people and learn new skills

A full induction to the service and specific site will be provided as well as access to training and events throughout the year!

Some sites have basic tools however any additional tools and material required can be discussed with your volunteer manager .

What volunteers need:
You will be required to under go a Disclosure and Barring Service check and provide details of 2 x referees

What we will provide to volunteers:

• Reimbursement of costs
• Full training and induction
• Access to events and celebrations throughout the year 

Summary

The gardening and growing volunteer will support our accommodation sites in maintaining their outdoor spaces at our sites across Hertfordshire and Bucks including

Brindle Court, Watford
Northgate End, Bishop's Stortford
Our smaller sites in Stevenage, Hoddesdon and Hemel Hempstead 
Crest Rd, High Wycombe

Detailed description

Having access to a secure garden or outdoor area can be crucial for providing opportunities to socialise and relax, which can be invaluable for the mental well-being of our residents.

The gardening and growing volunteer will support our accommodation sites in maintaining their outdoor spaces, including:

·Weeding

·Sweeping

·Pruning

·Clearing leaves and large twigs

·Watering plants

·Planting bulbs and tidying up flower beds

We would love for this to be an opportunity to involve our residents and potentially lead a gardening activity with them, equipping them with knowledge and skills to maintain their own green spaces in the future. 

You will need:

• Enjoy working outside in all weathers.
• An interest/basic knowledge of gardening
• Role requires some degree of physical work and lifting/manual handling
• To work under your own initiative.
• Good communication skills
• Opportunity to meet new people and learn new skills

A full induction to the service and specific site will be provided as well as access to training and events throughout the year!

Some sites have basic tools however any additional tools and material required can be discussed with your volunteer manager .

What volunteers need:
You will be required to under go a Disclosure and Barring Service check and provide details of 2 x referees

What we will provide to volunteers:

• Reimbursement of costs
• Full training and induction
• Access to events and celebrations throughout the year 

Would you like to work with others to help develop and nurture our peaceful, restorative gardens? As a Volunteer Gardener at Skanda Vale Hospice, you’ll be helping create and maintain a set of magical spaces designed to uplift everyone who spends time in them. Your attention will be focused on tending the gardens, grounds and garden structures. We encourage everyone to share their ideas and creativity to shape areas for well-being that benefit patients, team and visitors to the hospice.

Please note: unfortunately, we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for overseas volunteers.

About Skanda Vale Hospice

Skanda Vale Hospice offers unhurried, highly individualised care and respite to families affected by life-limiting illnesses, completely free of charge. A beautiful and happy place, filled with laughter and vibrant colour, our hospice is nurse led and primarily run by volunteers. Volunteering with us means being a valued part of a dedicated team who give of themselves wholeheartedly. Compassion is at the heart of what we do, expressed by human kindness, generosity and a deep commitment to the well-being of everyone we care for and work alongside.

What will I be doing?

• Mowing, weeding, pruning, sweeping, digging, potting and deadheading.

• Sweeping, weeding and pressure washing ramps, patios and parking areas.

• Depending on your fitness and ability, you might help with building or renewing garden structures.

• On occasion, help the gardening team at Skanda Hafan, Dolgran (a fundraising venue for the hospice).

How much time should I give?

A seasonal time commitment of one day (5-6 hours) per week is requested for this green-fingered role but life doesn't always fit with our schedules so there is some flexibility! Some volunteers also support our occasional open garden events.

What are the benefits of being a Volunteer Gardener?

• Sense of purpose knowing your contribution lifts the spirits of hospice patients and team members.

• Being outside in nature amidst beautiful surroundings.

• Meeting new people who share your passion for gardening.

• Feeling valued and appreciated as part of a friendly team.

• Earning Tempo Time Credits to spend on activities both locally and across the UK.

• Travel expenses reimbursed.

What do I need to have?

• Some gardening knowledge and experience is helpful but not essential.
• A love of nature and creativity.
• A sense of camaraderie, team spirit and enjoyment of working alongside colleagues is vital.
• An element of physical stamina is useful as you may be on your feet for some time.
• Appropriate clothing including closed-top shoes and gloves.
• A permanent UK address or a visa that allows you to stay and volunteer in the UK (unfortunately we cannot sponsor visa applications).

What training and support will I be given?

Our Gardeners receive induction and training and are invited to team development opportunities. They are supported by the Gardening Lead to feel confident in their role.

How do I find out more?

Contact us or drop in at one of our Coffee Mornings. These are held between 10.30 am and 12.30 pm on the last Thursday of each month and offer the chance for an informal chat and a look around - while enjoying fresh coffee and homemade cake, free of charge. Come along, we’d love to meet you!

Amy’s Place is a partnership between the Amy Winehouse Foundation and Clarion Housing, providing supported living accommodation for young women aged 18-30 in recovery from drugs, alcohol and other addictive behaviors.

As a great communicator with ‘green fingers’ you will create a calm, nurturing environment in which to support the residents to gain gardening skills and to explore the possibility of growing their own food. 

Activities

Inspire the residents to take an interest in the outdoor space at Amy’s Place and involve them in the development of a regular gardening and/or food growing club.

Help residents to develop their gardening skills and knowledge specific to growing food, through group workshops and individually tailored support, guidance and encouragement.

Commitment 

This is a flexible opportunity and volunteering times and frequency will vary depending on the volunteer’s availability and the needs of the residents. It might be every week or fortnight ideally for a minimum of 3 months.

Requirements 

This role will require us to carry out an enhanced check through the disclosure and barring service.

Support 

•  Volunteers receive a thorough induction and have access to any relevant in-house and external training
•  Reasonable travel and lunch expenses will be reimbursed
• The role is based at the service in East London. The exact address cannot be given until the volunteer starts due to safety and privacy reasons

Why we want you

At Together Trust we are fortunate to have outdoor spaces that are well maintained with lawns mowed and hedges trimmed, but we would love to bring a bit more life and interest to them!

We believe in the benefits of colourful and inviting outdoor areas for the mental health of the children, young people, and staff who use those spaces, and in the sensory stimulation and understanding gained from growing herbs and edible produce. We need someone with gardening know-how and expertise to help us make that a reality!

What you will be doing

• planting and maintaining year-round flowerbeds / pots / plant boxes
• keeping planted areas free of weeds
• growing edible produce for our young people to enjoy (herbs, fruit, veg)
• coming up with other ideas for how we can make the most of the space

The skills you need

• gardening knowledge and skills
• ability to perform the physical aspects of the role
• confidence to be around children and young people with social, emotional, and mental health support needs
• a friendly attitude
• patience
• willingness to work within guidelines and to take direction where necessary.

What's in it for you

• having time in the fresh air and reap the mental health benefits that brings
• being part of a friendly and dedicated team
• learning more about the abilities of the children and young people we support
• feeling proud about making a difference to young people’s lives

As a Gardening & Grounds volunteer you will be helping to maintain the flower beds and grounds around the Visitor Centre and our two AirBnB properties on site to a high standard, ensuring that we maintain a diverse habitat for nature and that our visitors and guests enjoy their visits.

This role involves:

• Assisting with the maintenance and development of the gardens and grounds around the visitor centre and car park;
• Seasonal planting, pruning and harvesting of flower beds;
• Weeding areas, where necessary;
• Mowing set areas when required;
• Welcoming and engaging visitors;
• Keeping up to date with the work of WWT and Welney and sharing that with visitors

At Acorns we provide care and support for life limited or life threatened children and their families. We are a charity, and our fundraising is vital to enable us to continue providing care and support to the children: it costs around £13 million a year to run our care services.

What’s Involved?

Dive into a variety of exciting roles that bring this wonderful community event to life:

• Welcome Desk: Be the warm and friendly first point of contact for our guests, setting the stage for an amazing day.
• Stalls and Games: Add energy and joy by running entertaining stalls and games for attendees of all ages.
• Refreshments: Serve up smiles along with food and drinks, ensuring everyone stays refreshed.
• Car Park Marshals: Help guests park smoothly and stress-free.
• Gazebo Setup and Takedown: Lend a hand to create the festive atmosphere and pack it away after the event.
• Mascot -  Alex the Acorn

The event held in the hospice gardens is to welcome the local community into Acorns.
There will be entertainment, stalls and activities 11am – 3pm. Food and refreshments are available. Volunteers are welcome to invite along their family & friends.

How much time will it take?

• 10am – 3.30pm either for the whole event or a few hours
• Parking will be available nearby for volunteers
• All volunteers will receive hot drinks free of charge.

Am I right for the role?

We’re looking for volunteers who are

• Approachable and happy to raise awareness about Acorns
• Versatile and willing to adapt and help out

  Why volunteer at Acorns? 

• To help a local charity and make a difference in your community
• Connect with likeminded people and make new friends
• Learn new skills to boost your CV

• Opportunities to progress to other roles

Volunteer briefing will be provided.

Hours: Variable - Tuesday mornings

Many people may be well aware of The Hospice of St Francis and the wonderful work done with both inpatient and community-based care, however they perhaps will not be aware of the extensive grounds at the Hospice and that they are cared for by a team of volunteers.

The seven acres of grounds are a mix of formal gardens, woodland and a wildflower meadow with a woodland walk and provide an opportunity for patients, visitors and staff to enjoy the benefits of a wonderful garden and a chance to enjoy our part of the Hertfordshire countryside with wonderful views across to Ashridge.

The ethos of the gardens is very much towards conservation with no use of insecticides or herbicides and with composting of all possible matter. Our aim is to encourage all wildlife in the gardens.

There are a group of about 35 individuals, who operate in teams responsible for their own section of the garden under head gardener, Gill Johnson. We are currently looking for extra help, particularly from people with gardening experience, although all are welcome. We meet on a Tuesday morning each week, with a break for coffee and cake mid-morning.

We carry on throughout the winter, although not in snow and ice. Winter jobs are a warming workout and include leaf raking; grass cutting (training on machinery provided); fencing; building 'dead' hedges.

To quote one of our gardeners “I work with lovely people in a wonderful setting and we are doing something really useful, what’s not to like?“

Here’s 5 reasons you’ll love to volunteer in our shops:

1. It's fun

2. It's flexible

3. You'll learn and share skills

4. You'll be making a difference

5. You'll work with a great team

We’re passionate about what we do, and love giving second-hand clothing a chance of going to a good home. Our shop teams are key to raising vital funds for our work and act as incredible advocates for the rights of children both in the UK and around the world.

Please note that this is a voluntary, unpaid role, based in the UK. We are unfortunately not able to provide support with visa requests. 

Volunteering in the shop

Mary’s Living & Giving Kew has become a much loved destination for followers of pre-loved fashion and a community hub for the wonderful residents of Kew. Located minutes from world famous Kew Gardens we welcome lots of UK and international visitors too.

Our Kew Shop Volunteers are in the middle of it all, and there’s plenty to get involved with. You might be sorting and pricing stock, engaging with customers, ringing items through the till, creating fantastic window displays or keeping our shop floor looking organised.

It’s up to you how much you commit. We have volunteers who support for a couple of hours a week and some do more. Many people volunteer either a morning or an afternoon each week - this is something that will be discussed at the selection stage, after you’ve applied.

Why volunteer with Save the Children?

In over 110 countries, we support children to transform their lives. By providing live-saving short-term help, and pushing for deep-rooted social change, we help children take, their future into their own hands. We believe every child has the right to learn. Every child should have good food to fuel their bodies and every child should have medicine when they're sick.

Skills and experiences we seek

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. You don’t need any retail or shop experience as full training will be provided. What’s important to us is that you are a team player, open to learning and to follow our policies as well as be an excellent representative for Save the Children. 

We know that our shop teams are stronger when they are inclusive and representative of their communities. Everybody can make a real difference. People come to us for all sorts of reasons, from all backgrounds, and we will do what we can to find a role that works for you.

What happens next?

After you’ve filled in an application, we will invite you for an informal trial shift. It’s a great opportunity to visit the shop, meet some of our existing volunteers and have a go at some of the tasks that you would be supporting with as a shop volunteer. Hopefully allowing you to get a feel for the role and make sure it’s for you. We also ask for a couple of references (these don’t have to be formal workplace ones, just someone who has known you for over 6 months and isn’t related). 

How to apply

Express your interest on email via the apply button. 

Please note that this is a voluntary, unpaid role, based in the UK. We are unfortunately not able to provide support with visa requests. 

Join Manor Gardens Welfare Trust (MGWT) as a Trustee and play a pivotal role in empowering communities to thrive. Help us deliver innovative, culturally competent services tackling inequalities and improving lives across Islington and beyond.

MGWT has been at the heart of community support since 1913, continuously evolving to meet contemporary challenges. Our dynamic hub in Upper Holloway supports over 2,600 people annually, promoting health, wellbeing, and social inclusion among diverse, underserved communities. Our services include multilingual advocacy, mental health support and therapy services, youth service provision as well as chairing Islington's award-winning Food Partnership working for a sustainable food system in the borough. 

Although MGWT is a local charity, we have a notable track record of innovation and wider impact. We pioneered the first LGBTQ+ youth group in Europe and launched the UK's first specialist psychotherapy service for survivors of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). Our groundbreaking work continues to inform practices and policies at both local and national levels.

We are particularly seeking trustees with skills in fundraising (including expertise in securing grants from trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships, statutory funding, legacies, and major gifts), Human Resources, and communications. Knowledge, experience, and a thorough understanding of the charity sector are essential, alongside a demonstrable commitment to our values. Previous board experience is desirable but not essential. We particularly welcome candidates with lived experience of the issues we are seeking to address, including socioeconomic inequality, mental health, and the asylum process. 

Trustees commit roughly 6 hours monthly, guiding strategic direction, ensuring effective governance, promoting equality and inclusion, and serving as ambassadors for MGWT’s vital work.

Description of the project

Milpa Community aims to be an open place to exchange ideas, to learn, inspire, and to build the community leadership we need for tomorrow’s world. Its mission is to empower young people from the surrounding area with the skills to be able to have a job, gain confidence and grow surrounded by a communitarian way of living.

We believe that by creating more community experiences, we empower people, youth especially, so they can build their own future and have a better life. In that way, we work toward local development and try to reach sustainability in its three dimensions: environmental, social and economic.

Highlights:

• Empower yourself and others working inside a community-based NGO in Buenos Aires.
• Learn and practice about agroecology. Enjoy working on gardening, landscaping, community development, international development & NGO management

What can you learn as a volunteer?

Volunteers will be able to learn about many topics and maximize what they learn before by helping us to maintain the garden and grounds. Volunteers with previous specific knowledge can prepare workshops or develop specific tasks. Volunteers will enhance their knowledge in practice, helping in the tasks of daily maintenance of the garden, in the organization of community space with the armed schedule, lists of participants’ management and administration tasks of space.

Why is this program important for the community?

The members of the community we work with are families that work hard every day to better their financial situation. 

Many of the young people from the surrounding neighborhoods have not been able to finish their basic studies and therefore can only dream of going to university. The Pacheco Community Center gives them the opportunity to learn a practical trade, work in a team and be prepare for labor market integration.

We focus on training. We help young people build new capacities. Not only can they learn about gardening, landscaping and begin an immersion in agroecology philosophy, but also the Pacheco Community Center has a greenhouse for the students to plant fruits and vegetables, which they will be able to sell and generate their own income.

Role of the Volunteer

The volunteers that come from different parts of the world to exchange knowledge and experience and to work alongside the community members create a mutual spirit of solidarity.

• Learn by helping in practical classes with youth to maintain the garden and grounds.
• Help watering during 20 minutes in the mornings outside the greenhouse if the weather is too dry.
• Help teachers to prepare didactic material for theoretical classes (like diagrams, pictures, boards)
• Help social coordinators to manage the organization of community space with the armed schedule, lists of participants’ management and administration tasks of space.
• Help preparing and attending breakfast or afternoon snack (according daily schedule) for youth.
• Help preparing special monthly workshops: Open day to the community when families and friends share and afternoon with talks, games and relaxing time.

Start Dates

Project is ongoing, and you can join on Spring or Summer (in Argentina)

Language Skills

You need to speak Spanish (intermediate level).

Volunteer your time at Hestia to make our gardens a beautiful place for adults and children to enjoy all year through! Are you green fingered and have a passion for gardens and outdoor spaces?

At Hestia we have gardens and outdoor spaces which require your support to bring these back to life by keeping them maintained. We are recruiting for volunteers to motivate and inspire staff and people living in our services to get involved in gardening.

Hestia provides holistic, one-to-one support in our refuges and the community. Our refuge services are for women and children, offering a safe place to stay and vital emotional and practical support.

Outside of our refuges, most of our support services are accessible by anyone who has experienced domestic abuse, including men.

What you will be doing

• Inspire and motivate staff and people in the services to get involved in maintaining and growing the garden
• To provide tips on how to maintain and grow the garden - sowing seeds, planting bulbs, taking cuttings
• Provide basic maintenance such as cutting the grass, emptying bins, managing weed control and leaf raking
• Lead in planting and nurturing new trees, flowers, and various plants
• Provide best practice on how to use the correct gardening tools
• Inspire people in our services and staff to maintain a clean garden
• Advise staff on the costs of plants and garden necessities

The skills you need

• A basic knowledge/ experience of plant care and use of gardening tools7
• Calm and patient approach
• Good communication skills
• Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun

Are you skilled at DIY? Do you get satisfaction from fixing and maintaining things? Are you able to keep outdoor spaces tidy and presentable? We’re on the look-out for Gardener and Site Maintenance volunteers who will play a key role in keeping Blue Cross sites clean, tidy and well presented. You will be adept at working under your own initiative, with support from the team when needed.

Why we want you

Sick, injured and homeless pets have relied on Blue Cross for help since 1897. Each year, thousands of dogs, cats, small pets and horses turn to the charity’s animal hospitals, clinical and rehoming services for treatment and support. Your skills will assist us in quickly addressing issues and maintaining excellent levels of safety.

We would love you to join us and help us help more pets in need.

What you will be doing

• Maintenance including basic repairs and DIY tasks
• Some painting and decorating
• Weeding and tidying the grounds
• Identifying and completing tasks required to maintain the site

The skills you need

• Experience and enjoyment of DIY
• Some gardening knowledge and skills
• Regular commitment and reliability
• Ability to work in a team or alone
• Willingness to learn and follow Blue Cross procedures

What's in it for you

• You’ll be able to choose from a wide variety of shifts
• You’ll gain a variety of experience for your CV
• You’ll learn new/enhanced skills such as customer service, communication and team working
• You’ll meet new people and get involved with your local community
• We’ll provide you with all the training you need, including our GUEST customer service training and access to Blue Horizons, our online learning platform
• You’ll be helping more pets in need.

Disclaimer

We ask that you can ideally commit to one shift per week and are able to volunteer at a Blue Cross site. You need to be 18 or over for this role. Blue Cross holds inclusion as a core organisational value. We positively encourage applications from eligible volunteers regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, transgender status, religion or belief, marital status or pregnancy and maternity. We actively embrace our differences and know that it is our differences that make us unique. You are very welcome at Blue Cross, without the need to hide any part of who you are.

We'd love you to consider volunteering here at Hay Castle, a centre for Arts, Culture, Heritage and Learning.  Awarded "Wales Building of the Year 2024" by RSAW, we opened our doors to the public for the first time in its 900 year history in 2022, following an extensive "just in time" renovation of this Grade 1 listed building and scheduled ancient monument.  As a volunteer you will be the life blood of the castle, with various opportunities such as greeting our visitors, introducing them to its history and stories, leading guided tours, engaging them with our prestigious exhibitions, helping them choose their presents and souvenirs to buy and take home.  Perhaps you'd prefer to help us keep our garden borders and yew trees looking glorious. 

As a Castle Volunteer, we can offer you discount on goods bought in our shop, occasional discounts on event tickets, and a volunteer thank you get-together, 2 or 3 times a year. You will also receive a volunteer pass to the castle, so that you and friends/family can enjoy time here together when you're not on duty.

If any of this appeals to you, we'd love to hear from you.