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Gardening Volunteer at The MERL

Every Wednesday Morning 10am-12 noon

Why we want you

Garden Volunteers play a welcome part in helping to maintain The MERL garden, ensuring that it remains attractive and accessible for our visitors and community gardeners. We are looking for a committed volunteer to join our friendly volunteer team, who can attend regularly and get to know the garden through the different seasons.

What you will be doing

· Caring for edible and ornamental areas – planting, weeding, watering, cutting back etc

· Composting

· Seed sowing and potting on

· Leaf sweeping and keeping paths clear of weeds

· Maintaining hand tools and keeping equipment tidy and clean


This role will suit you if you are

· An “outdoors person” (although there are opportunities for indoor work if the weather is extreme)

· Enthusiastic about plants and gardening

· Able to work as part of a team

· Can work independently

· Are able to attend regularly and see the results of your efforts

· Looking for a long-term role

What you will gain in return

· Work outdoors in a usually peaceful setting

· Learn new gardening skills and/or utilise existing ones

· Support from Assistant Volunteer Coordinator (Garden Projects) and other volunteers in the team

· Meet new people with a similar interest in gardening

· A free hot drink at break-time

How much time will it take up? You will join a team of volunteers on a Wednesday morning from 10:00am-12noon. This role is best suited to someone who is able attend most weeks for at least a year. We ask that you let the Assistant Volunteer Coordinator (Garden Projects) know in advance if you cannot attend. The Garden Volunteers meet all year round.


What do I need to wear?

Suitable clothing and footwear is required for outside work, throughout the year, in a range of weather. Sturdy trainers, wellies or walking boots are necessary and we request that you bring your own gardening gloves.


Who will I report to?

The sessions are led by Cathy Smith - Assistant Volunteer Coordinator (Garden Projects) who will allocate tasks and support you on the day