Who we are:

The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) is the UK’s leading gardening charity. RHS Garden Bridgewater is the fifth RHS garden and one of the largest gardening projects undertaken in Europe in recent years. The transformation of this 154-acre green space will enrich the lives of local communities and their environment for the future.

What are we looking for?

The role will suit people who:

• Are aged 14 – 18.
• Need a flexible volunteering option (with a minimum of six volunteering shifts per year).
• Have an interest in volunteering in the green sector and/or in sustainability.
• Want to learn more about horticulture and skills they can take home or to their local community.
• Enjoy being in an outdoor environment.
• Would like to spend time in an environment that supports their physical and mental wellbeing,

What would you be doing as a volunteer?

New Shoots Youth Volunteers will get involved in a variety of activities, depending on the season and what skills you have or want to develop, but can include:

Day-to-day development and maintenance of the back-to-back gardens used to engage groups and visitors. This will include growing new plants, planting out, taking care of our soil, watering, removing spent flowers and harvesting flowers and vegetables.

This is a flexible volunteering opportunity to learn about and undertake practical horticultural tasks, around our RHS Gardens. These roles are not time-bound and allow you to take part for as long or as little amount of time as you are able to commit to.

You will gain practical and transferrable skills, such as teamwork, confidence and how to communicate effectively. You will also learn practical horticultural skills such as propagation, planting, garden maintenance, composting and so much more. It will also give you the opportunity to meet likeminded people and learn from experienced horticulturists what a career in horticulture can involve.

Additional Benefits: 

All volunteering shifts will be during garden opening hours.

You will receive RHS uniform, which will include seasonal appropriate clothing and safety footwear, and security ID. You will also receive a Volunteers Handbook, health and safety training and any other instruction appropriate to the tasks you will be undertaking. You will also need to undertake safeguarding training.