Wakehurst Ecological Records Volunteer

Wakehurst welcomes over 430,000 visitors per year to explore and enjoy the botanical gardens and wider landscape, managed by Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. The Landscape & Horticulture Department contains four units: Gardens, Nursery, Arboretum & Conservation and Logistics. Together they provide the horticultural estate management for Wakehurst.

The main focus of this voluntary role is to support the above teams with the ongoing development of Wakehurst’s ecological stewardship and monitoring work by capturing and digitalising the many biological surveys and ecological studies that have been carried out over the years. These records include species surveys, habitat assessments, phenology observations, management records, handwritten notebooks, maps, spreadsheets, and monitoring data relating to the Gardens, wider estate, SSSI woodlands, meadows, wetlands, and Loder Valley Nature Reserve.

At present, much of this information exists in fragmented and inconsistent formats, making it difficult to synthesise findings, identify long-term ecological trends, or fully use this evidence base to guide stewardship, conservation management, horticultural practice, and future research priorities. This volunteer role would therefore play an important part in helping transform historical knowledge into a coherent and accessible ecological resource.

Wakehurst welcomes over 430,000 visitors per year to explore and enjoy the botanical gardens and wider landscape, managed by Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. The Landscape & Horticulture Department contains four units: Gardens, Nursery, Arboretum & Conservation and Logistics. Together they provide the horticultural estate management for Wakehurst.

The main focus of this voluntary role is to support the above teams with the ongoing development of Wakehurst’s ecological stewardship and monitoring work by capturing and digitalising the many biological surveys and ecological studies that have been carried out over the years. These records include species surveys, habitat assessments, phenology observations, management records, handwritten notebooks, maps, spreadsheets, and monitoring data relating to the Gardens, wider estate, SSSI woodlands, meadows, wetlands, and Loder Valley Nature Reserve.

At present, much of this information exists in fragmented and inconsistent formats, making it difficult to synthesise findings, identify long-term ecological trends, or fully use this evidence base to guide stewardship, conservation management, horticultural practice, and future research priorities. This volunteer role would therefore play an important part in helping transform historical knowledge into a coherent and accessible ecological resource.

Wakehurst Ecological Records Volunteer

More details

Main tasks of the role:

• Digitising and cataloguing historic ecological records, surveys, field notes, species lists, maps, and monitoring data into accessible electronic formats.
• Assisting with the organisation and standardisation of ecological datasets to help create a centralised biological recording archive for Wakehurst.
• Supporting the analysis of long-term ecological trends by comparing historical and contemporary records to identify patterns of species change, habitat condition, phenology shifts, and biodiversity trends over time.
• Helping produce annual summaries and reports which interpret ecological monitoring data and communicate key findings in an accessible and engaging way.
• Assisting with the development graphs, maps, species trend charts, and seasonal records
• Supporting species recording and citizen science initiatives across the site, including opportunities to work alongside specialist recorders, researchers, volunteers, and horticultural teams.
• Helping build a stronger evidence base to inform landscape stewardship, ecological enhancement, climate adaptation, and biodiversity management across the estate.

About You:                                                                 

• You enjoy working in an office environment, either independently or as part of a small team.
• You are an ecology 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.
• Free entry to Wakehurst and Kew for yourself and an accompanying adult.
• Discounts in Wakehurst and Kew shops and eateries.
• Reimbursement of actual travel expenses incurred up to a set value.
• Wakehurst corporate wear.
• 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 biodiversity 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 weekdays a month.
• Able to travel (either by public transport or your own vehicle) to Wakehurst at least two days per month.
• Please note this is a long term role so we welcome applicants that can commit to more than a year.

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

• A keen interest in ecology and biological records management.
• An eye for detail, and interest in keeping 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.

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.

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.