Volunteer Gardener

Ryton Gardens lies at the heart of our work to promote organic gardening, offering volunteers the chance to make a real contribution in a beautiful and unique setting. In looking after the HSL seed production spaces and tending to our beautiful display gardens you will develop your own knowledge and skills whilst helping to spread the organic message to visitors. 

Simply enjoy the company of a friendly group of like-minded gardeners or use your time with us as a stepping stone into work or college.

Our volunteer days on site are on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, along with other opportunities to assist at occasional on and off-site public events such as garden shows, seed swaps and open days.

Volunteers get the chance to become part of a friendly and dedicated team. Get your hands dirty and enjoying the great outdoors while at the same time expand your own organic gardening knowledge and skills, and develop your CV.

In addition we provide:

-    a full induction to Garden Organic
-    appropriate support and supervision
-    relevant on the job training
-    task appropriate personal protective equipment
-    reasonable travel expenses
-    membership of Garden Organic*
 

This role will suit people who:

• Are willing to work out of doors in all weathers and undertake physically demanding tasks such as compost turning and digging over beds
• Have some experience and knowledge of organic gardening and a desire to learn more
• Enjoy working as part of a team
• Have a careful, consistent and flexible approach to work
• Are happy to work unsupervised from time to time
• Have good communication and listening skills
   

Working as part of a team of friendly staff and volunteers you will participate in the maintenance of the HSL seed production spaces and organic display garden. Tasks can be variable depending on the season, needs of the garden, and weather and can include:

• Weeding and general care of beds and borders.
• Seed sowing, propagation, nursery work, planting out
• Pruning and care of shrubs and trees.
• Compost turning and mulch spreading.
• Hand pollinating for seed production.
• Harvesting and processing of seed.
• Assisting with seed packing.
• Helping to maintain clear signs and labels to educate and inform visitors.
• Assisting and answering questions from visitors.
• Assisting with stocktaking and other record keeping activities.
• Assisting with on and off-site public events such as garden shows, seed swaps and open days.
• Maintaining good Health and Safety practices.

Our volunteers are a talented bunch, and we are always keen to make the most of any additional skills and interests you may have. For example, we welcome experience in delivering tours and workshops, fundraising and events, or you may have specific expertise, e.g. in IT, that you would love to bring to the role. Please let us know!