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Join the worthwhile mission of Wakehurst, making nature accessible to all as a Discovery and Access Volunteer.
Overview
Salary
Voluntary role - no salary
Location
Wakehurst, West Sussex
Expires
Expires at anytime
Organisation Summary
Wakehurst, a part of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, promotes access to nature for all individuals. The organization works tirelessly to remove barriers to green spaces by launching inclusive, accessible projects that cater to everyone. With a strong focus on supporting people facing social, psychological, physical, or financial challenges, Wakehurst aims to build a closer relationship between the masses and nature.
Role Summary
- Create welcoming environments through community-focused programs.
- Inspire action for nature.
- Connect children with the wonders of nature and science.
- Assist in nurturing future environmental leaders.
- Help in establishing significant, long-term partnerships.
Role requirements
- Empathy, reliability and commitment.
- Experience in facilitating groups is beneficial but not mandatory.
- Friendly and approachable attitude.
- Ability to walk or use a scooter for at least an hour once a month.
Application Process Details
- People with first-hand experience of access requirements are highly encouraged to apply.
- Ideal role for those wanting to complete volunteer hours for educational courses or gain experience in engagement and participation.
- Flexibility is key; while attendance at all events is not necessary, commitment to the schedule is essential.
Wakehurst is committed to making nature accessible to everyone, recognizing that access to green spaces is not equally available to all. As part of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew's Manifesto for Change, Wakehurst has established the Participation Team to extend our reach and reduce barriers to accessing nature. This initiative focuses on creating inclusive, accessible participatory projects that welcome new visitors and actively break down barriers to engaging with Wakehurst. Our programs support individuals facing social, psychological, physical, or financial challenges in accessing nature.
The role: As a Discovery and Access Volunteer, you will play a crucial role in creating a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for our community-focused programs. These programs include hands-on gardening workshops, dementia-friendly guided tours, wellness walks, lantern-making workshops, and community festivals. Your involvement will help inspire action for nature, connect children with science and the natural world, nurture tomorrow's environmental leaders, and build lasting, meaningful partnerships.
Job requirements: We are looking for volunteers who are empathetic, reliable, and committed to our monthly schedule. While previous experience in facilitating groups or working with individuals with additional needs is beneficial, it is not mandatory. A friendly and approachable attitude is crucial. Volunteers should be able to walk or use a scooter for about an hour once a month to lead groups around the gardens.
Benefits: Volunteers at Wakehurst receive regular training, a full induction, Kew branded clothing, and support in organizing groups. There will also be 1:1 check-ins after each session to ensure continuous support and development.
Application details: We encourage individuals with lived experience of access requirements to apply. This role is particularly suitable for those looking to complete volunteering hours for educational courses or gain experience in participation and engagement. Please note that flexibility is essential, and while the ability to attend all events is not expected, commitment to the schedule is important.
