Wakehurst Horticulture Volunteer

Wakehurst Horticulture Volunteer Overall Purpose of the

Role:

Wakehurst welcomes over 200,000 visitors per year to explore and enjoy the botanical gardens managed by Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. The Landscape & Horticulture Department contains four

Units:

Gardens, Logistics, Nursery and Arboretum & Conservation. Together they provide the horticulture estate management (HEM) for Wakehurst Place. This volunteer role would carry out tasks within one of the Horticultural Teams at Wakehurst to help maintain, our diverse gardens. Location Wakehurst, West Sussex Closing Date 26/06/2026 Main Tasks of the

Role:

To support Garden operations and to carry out the following tasks: Weeding Mulching Leaf Clearance Raking Edging Digging Watering Planting Pruning About you: Have a keen interest in Horticulture and willing to volunteer in all weather conditions. Whilst some experience of working/volunteering in a horticulture setting is an advantage, we are happy to help you develop your knowledge of horticulture. The main things we are looking for are enthusiasm and commitment. What to expect from us: A full induction, basic training and ongoing support and supervision. Free entry to Wakehurst and Kew for yourself and an accompanying adult. Discounts in Wakehurst and Kew shops and eateries. Reimbursement of actual travel expenses incurred up to a set value. Wakehurst corporate wear. To be treated fairly and with respect. To be part of a friendly and dedicated team and volunteering community. An opportunity to learn about the amazing collections at Wakehurst and Kew, the living plants, the ground-breaking science and other Kew collections. What we expect from you: An interest in Horticulture. Willingness to attend basic training/health & safety courses to support operations. We are looking for volunteers who can commit to a minimum of 4.5 hours per week / 24 sessions a year. Ability to be flexible to volunteer in all conditions in a physical role. You will also need to be flexible in inclement weather. Ability to volunteer independently and as part of a team. This role will suit volunteers with the following skills and experience: Previous experience in Horticulture. Enjoy interacting with people from all backgrounds. Good communication skills. Flexible and willing to give support where necessary. At Kew, we recognise that diversity enriches the work we do and welcome volunteer applications from individuals of all backgrounds and lived experiences. Our aim is to provide equal opportunities to all volunteers, ensuring they are treated fairly, without bias or prejudice, while fostering an environment where everyone can contribute meaningfully.

Recruitment Procedure:

The opportunity has arisen for volunteers to support horticulture operations. Those applicants whose availability and interests most closely match will be invited to Wakehurst for an informal discussion / practical session. The purpose of the discussion / practical session is to explain in more detail the volunteering opportunities and to find out a bit more about why applicants would like to volunteer.