Do you have a passion for propagating plants?
Have an eye for detail? Or wish to grow your horticultural knowledge?
Osborne House is the former home of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert and the plants at Osborne were a big interest for Prince Albert.
We are looking for volunteers to support our garden team in sustainably growing and maintaining plants within our small nursery and glasshouses to help maintain Osborne's historic planting.
What will I be doing?
As a volunteer within the garden nursery you’ll help grow and maintain plants destined to be planted out within the grounds of Osborne and as such you will need to:
* Take instruction from the garden staff and be able to work independently or as part of a team
* Participate in a broad range of horticultural nursery activities including watering, weeding, pruning, potting, propagation, and compost mixing.
* Maintain excellent nursery hygiene processes such as pot washing, maintaining growing areas so they are weed and liverwort free and help with the seasonal deep clean of the glasshouses.
* Assist in other areas of the garden undertaking general garden maintenance tasks on odd occasions.
* Answer questions from visitors and offer information where appropriate regarding the garden and its history
* Answer visitor queries or direct them to an appropriate member of staff.
What can I expect from English Heritage?
* A welcoming and enjoyable experience
* To be treated fairly and with respect
* Recognition and appreciation for your contribution
* A full induction and training programme with on-going support
* Reimbursement of reasonable local travel costs between home and volunteering location within agreed limits
* A certificate to demonstrate work carried out for English Heritage is available on request to show future employers or further education providers
* You will be covered by English Heritage’s own indemnity arrangements in respect of all liabilities that may result from your appointment as a volunteer
Skills
What skills, qualities and experience do I need?
We are looking for a confident, effective communicator and team player with a positive attitude to working with the public to enhance their visit.
In preparation for the role and with our support, you will need to develop an understanding of the history of the site and gardens, together with significant features, experiments, and historic collections.
National, Site-based, and role specific inductions will be provided.
* Diversity and equal opportunities policy
* Accessibility
* Age restrictions
* Child Protection
* Complaints Policy
* Confidentially Policy
* Expenses reimbursed
* Health and Safety Policy
* Ongoing support
* Suitable for Duke of Edinburgh Award
* Suitable for Supported Volunteering
* Suitable for Under 16's
* Suitable for Under 18's
* Training provided
* Volunteers covered by insurance
* Vulnerable Adults Policy
When can I volunteer?
Start Date: 03/09/2025
End Date: 03/09/2026
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
Morning Yes Yes Yes Yes No No No
Afternoon Yes Yes Yes Yes No No No
Evening No No No No No No No
Availability Details
Volunteer sessions will run from 10.30am to 4pm. Ideally, you’ll be available to volunteer once a week between Monday to Thursday all year round.
Location
English Heritage Trust
Osborne House
York Avenue
East Cowes
Isle of Wight
PO32 6JX
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