Local Volunteering for the NGS
Why do we need your help?
The NGS is run by volunteers based in each county. Over 350 people share the fun and work involved in organising thousands of open garden events.
Normally you will need access to a car and we encourage volunteers to use email and the internet to help with their work. Obviously the busiest time of the year for our volunteers is in the spring and summer, and we are always grateful for more occasional help. In particular we often need extra help in promoting the NGS at local shows and events, working with new Yellow Book gardens as they prepare for and run their first opening, finding new gardens to visit and distributing booklets to libraries, garden centres and tourist information centres.
What is in it for you?
Help and training is given so that our new volunteers can make a start. As a volunteer you will be helping raising funds for charity as well as celebrating our national garden heritage in a fun and enjoyable way.
What you can do
Although knowledge of gardens is always helpful, the main requirement is for good organisational skills and for people who enjoy working as part of a team. In each area we look for people to fill three key roles:
• Team Co-ordinators to organise openings and provide help and advice to garden owners
• Press and Publicity officers to promote garden openings in local press and media
• Treasurers to keep account of income and expenditure and organise banking.
We also look for people who can support these lead roles in these areas.
Who can volunteer?
If you are over 16 years of age and have an enthusiasm for gardens, the natural world and fundraising, and have time to help in the summer, we would love to hear from you. Please contact YOUR local County organiser.