Plant and Propagation Records Volunteer

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.

 

Overall Purpose to the role

Wakehurst welcomes over 200,000 visitors per year to explore and enjoy the botanical gardens managed by Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

The Landscape & Horticulture Department contains four units: Gardens, Nursery, Arboretum & Conservation and Logistics. Together they provide the horticulture estate management (HEM) for Wakehurst.

The main focus of this voluntary role is to support the nursery team in capturing and digitalising plant propagation protocols and associated botanical records of the living collection found at Wakehurst.

 

Main tasks of the role

• Volunteering with the Nursery team – activities will be computer and paper based, recording and digitising propagation protocols.
• Under supervision of nursery manager, methodically record and come up with new ways for capturing data. 

 

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.

Overall Purpose to the role

Wakehurst welcomes over 200,000 visitors per year to explore and enjoy the botanical gardens managed by Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

The Landscape & Horticulture Department contains four units: Gardens, Nursery, Arboretum & Conservation and Logistics. Together they provide the horticulture estate management (HEM) for Wakehurst.

The main focus of this voluntary role is to support the nursery team in capturing and digitalising plant propagation protocols and associated botanical records of the living collection found at Wakehurst.

Main tasks of the role

• Volunteering with the Nursery team – activities will be computer and paper based, recording and digitising propagation protocols.
• Under supervision of nursery manager, methodically record and come up with new ways for capturing data.

Plant and Propagation Records Volunteer

More details

About You:                                                                 

• You enjoy being in a nursery environment, either independently or as part of a small team.
• You are a plant enthusiast with an eye for detail and an ability to record information accurately and with confidence.
• You feel confident using IT programs.
• You are enthusiastic and interested in the work of Kew / Wakehurst and are committed to this role.

What to expect from us:

• A full induction, basic training and ongoing support and supervision.
• Reimbursement of actual travel expenses incurred up to a set value.
• To be allocated clear roles and responsibilities.
• To be treated fairly and with respect.
• To be part of a friendly and dedicated team and volunteering community.
• An opportunity to learn about the amazing collections at Wakehurst, the living plants, the ground-breaking science and other Kew collections.

 

What we expect from you:

• A willingness to attend basic training/health & safety courses to support operations and give you the knowledge you’ll need to carry out this role (full training will be given in the tasks and use of equipment).
• Ability to navigate the wider landscape using maps.
• Flexibility and willingness to work in inclement weather.
• We suggest a minimum participation of two days a month.
• To wear the Wakehurst volunteer corporate wear if required for the role.

 

This role will suit volunteers with the following skills and experience:

• A keen interest in horticulture and specifically plant identification.
• An eye for detail, and interest in keeping plant records accurate and up to date.
• A positive outlook and ability to participate both independently and as part of a small team.
• Good communication skills.
• Good IT skills
• Flexibility and willingness to give support where necessary.

Recruitment procedure

Please complete and return the application form. Those applicants whose availability and interests most closely match will be invited to Wakehurst for an informal discussion. The purpose of the discussion is to explain in more detail the volunteering opportunities and to find out a bit more about why applicants would like to volunteer. Training would only start after the offer of the volunteer role has been made and accepted.