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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Help maintain beautiful gardens through weeding, pruning, and landscaping.
- Company: Join the vibrant team at Kew Gardens, a leader in horticulture.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience, travel expenses covered, and learn from experts.
- Why this job: Immerse yourself in nature while making a positive impact on the environment.
- Qualifications: Basic gardening knowledge and a passion for teamwork and the outdoors.
- Other info: Commit to one day a week for at least 12 months and enjoy a friendly atmosphere.
What to Expect from Us
- A full volunteer induction with ongoing support
- To be allocated clear tasks and responsibilities
- To be treated fairly and with respect
- A friendly and dedicated team
- An opportunity to learn about the living collections at Kew
- Travel expenses reimbursed up to a daily cap
What We Expect from You
- Commit to volunteer at least one day per week (except periods of holiday, etc.)
- Attend required volunteer training
- Be reliable and punctual
- Learn about the work of Kew
- Wear volunteer uniform if required for the role
- Demonstrate Kew's Values and follow Kew Volunteer policies and procedures
Volunteer Responsibilities
- Weeding
- Edging
- Clearing & raking
- Mulching
- Landscaping
- Pruning
Volunteer area: Carbon Garden, Grass Garden & Kitchen Garden, Kew Gardens.
Schedule: Wednesdays from 8:30 am – 3 pm (tea break & lunch break included).
Volunteer supervisors: Joe Richomme (Garden Supervisor) & Helena Dove (Botanical Horticulturist, Kew’s Kitchen Garden).
Contact: kewvolunteer@kew.org
Qualifications & Skills
- Basic knowledge of gardening and horticulture
- Experience contributing to a team
- Flexibility and willingness to support where needed
- Enjoyment of being outside in nature
Commitment
Available to volunteer on a regular basis for a minimum period of 12 months.
Role Purpose
The overall purpose of the role is to support Kew's horticulturalists in maintaining the gardens to a high standard by helping with basic maintenance tasks.
Closing Date
The closing date for this role is midnight on Sunday 3 May 2026.
EEO Statement
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.
Outdoor Horticultural Volunteer employer: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Contact Detail:
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Outdoor Horticultural Volunteer
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know Kew Gardens before you apply! Familiarise yourself with their values and the specific gardens you'll be working in. This way, you can show your passion for horticulture and how you fit into their team during any interviews or discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current volunteers or staff at Kew. They can provide insider tips on what to expect and how to stand out. Plus, it’s a great way to demonstrate your commitment and enthusiasm for the role!
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to showcase your gardening knowledge and teamwork skills. Think of examples from your past experiences that highlight your reliability and flexibility. This will help you connect with the volunteer supervisors when you meet them.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a smoother process! It shows you're serious about the opportunity and makes it easier for us to keep track of your application. Plus, you’ll get all the latest updates directly from Kew.
We think you need these skills to ace Outdoor Horticultural Volunteer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Horticulture: When writing your application, let us know why you love gardening and being outdoors. Share any experiences you've had that relate to horticulture, as this will help us see your enthusiasm for the role!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure to highlight your relevant skills and experiences without rambling on. This helps us understand your fit for the role quickly!
Demonstrate Reliability: Since we expect our volunteers to be reliable and punctual, mention any past experiences where you’ve shown commitment. This could be previous volunteer work or jobs where you consistently met deadlines or showed up on time.
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it keeps everything organised on our end!
How to prepare for a job interview at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
✨Know Your Horticulture Basics
Brush up on your gardening and horticulture knowledge before the interview. Familiarise yourself with common plants, maintenance tasks, and the specific gardens at Kew. This will show your genuine interest and commitment to the role.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Since this role involves working closely with a team, be ready to share examples of how you've contributed to a team in the past. Highlight your flexibility and willingness to support others, as these qualities are key for success in this volunteer position.
✨Show Your Passion for Nature
Express your enjoyment of being outdoors and working in nature during the interview. Share any personal experiences or projects that reflect your love for gardening and the environment, as this will resonate well with the values of Kew.
✨Be Punctual and Reliable
Reliability is crucial for this role, so make sure to emphasise your commitment to being punctual and dependable. You might even want to mention how you plan to manage your time effectively to meet the volunteering schedule.