Organic Demonstration Garden Volunteer

Working as part of a team, our volunteer gardeners contribute to the maintenance and development of our flagship organic gardens at Ryton. They also provide a friendly face for visitors to the garden, answering any questions they may have.

In tending to our beautiful demonstration garden at Ryton, you will develop your own knowledge and skills while 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.

The aims of a Master Composter volunteer are to:

• Raise awareness of the benefits of composting.
• Encourage more people to compost at home.
• Support those already composting to ensure they are successful in their home composting activities.

Volunteers get the chance to:

• Become part of a friendly and dedicated team.
• Meet people from all walks of life.
• Get your hands dirty and enjoying the great outdoors.
• Develop your organic gardening knowledge and skills.

Other benefits include:

• 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:

• Have some experience and knowledge of organic gardening and a desire to learn more.
• Have good communication and listening skills.
• Have a cheerful demeanour and enjoy working as part of a team.
• Are reasonably fit and willing to work out of doors in all weathers.
• Have a positive, organised and flexible approach to work.
• Are looking for experience with a view to pursuing a career in horticulture.
• Are happy to work unsupervised from time-to-time.

Tasks can be variable depending on the season, needs of the garden, and weather and can include:

-Helping with the general upkeep of the gardens including:

• Seed sowing, propagation, nursery work, planting out.
• Weeding, deadheading and general care of beds and borders.
• Pruning and care of shrubs and trees.
• Grass cutting and edging.
• Composting.
• Maintaining good Health and Safety practices.

-Helping to maintain clear signs and labels around the gardens to educate and inform visitors.

-Answering questions from visitors.

-Giving the gardening team any other assistance that may be needed.