Volunteering with Us
Make a difference at Borde Hill
Why Volunteer at Borde Hill?
Volunteering with us is a great way to meet like-minded people from all walks of life, spend time in the great outdoors, and enhance your CV by learning new skills and gaining valuable work-related experience.
There are a variety of ways to volunteer on offer, from leading Garden tours and sharing historic insights and anecdotes about the story of Borde Hill, to getting your hands dirty and helping to keep our Garden looking magnificent.
You could help young people reconnect with nature and inspire the next generation by running or assisting with family activities and craft workshops during the school holidays or help to keep our Gift Shop, Plant Nursery or Garden Office running smoothly.
As a thank you for being part of our dedicated team, who make Borde Hill special, you will enjoy a free family Membership which allows unlimited entry to the Garden during the open season; a 20% discount in our Shop and Plant Nursery; and recognition and appreciation for your contribution.
Reasons to Volunteer
- Become part of the dedicated team who make Borde Hill so special
- Spend time in nature to enhance your mental and physical wellbeing
- Meet like-minded people from all walks of life and make new friends
- Develop or learn new skills
- Enhance your CV by gaining valuable work-related experience
- Indulge your passion and engage with local heritage
- Enjoy new experiences
- Complimentary Family Membership
- 20% discount in the Gift Shop and Plant Nursery
Help Grow A Sustainable Future
Become a Volunteer Vegetable Grower
The Growers Project at Borde Hill is a new venture to create a biodynamic market garden from permanent pasture. The 10 acre holding was put into Biodynamic conversion in 2021.
Join us in helping transplant, maintain and harvest the crops. This is a great opportunity to see a market garden grow from the ground up, learn new skills, enjoy the outdoors and meet new people. You will learn which crops are best sown or transplanted, when to sow specific crops, crop covers, weed control, irrigation, crop rotation and principals behind Biodynamic growing practices. A good selection of crops will be grown this year to include: kale, squash, leeks, carrots, beetroot, potatoes, onions and spinach. No experience is necessary, just a willingness to get stuck in and learn.
More information
We are looking for volunteers who are interested in being involved in this project from April this year through to December. One morning/afternoon/day per week depending on the seasonal development of the crops.
Contact: [email protected]
Bring History to Life
Become a Garden Tour Guide
Share your passion and enthusiasm with our visitors by leading guided tours of the Garden. You’ll be sharing the significant story of Borde Hill’s history, whilst answering questions and engaging with your audience, to celebrate what makes our Estate so unique.
Help our Garden Blossom
Become a Volunteer Gardener
As a Volunteer Gardener you’ll be happy getting your hands dirty while immersing yourself in one of the most celebrated and renowned gardens in Sussex. This role will suit people who enjoy working as part of a team, have a passion for horticulture and an enthusiastic and friendly nature. The role can be physically demanding so you need to be reasonably fit and willing to work outdoors in all weathers.
Inspire the Next Generation
Become a Volunteer Event Assistant
As part of a small welcoming team you will play a vital role in bringing our varied and dynamic event programme to life. This will include supporting event planning and delivery as well as getting hands-on with creative elements for family trails during the school holidays. Every event is a unique experience, as we continuously evolve our offer to captivate new audiences while keeping our regular visitors and Members engaged.
More information
What’s involved:
- Helping to create and bring to life interactive children’s events aimed at those under 10 years. This will involve ‘making’ so creativity and a vivid imagination would be useful.
- Assisting with the delivery of the wider event programme, to include setting up family trails, arranging chairs and gazebos, and sourcing engaging trail prizes.
- Taking care of event resources and equipment – keeping everything in check.
- Interacting and chatting with visitors during events, so a confident and welcoming manner is needed.
Contact: [email protected]
Gift Shop & Plant Nursery Assistant
Become a Volunteer Retail Assistant
Help keep our Gift Shop and Plant Nursery fully stocked and tidy for our visitors. This role will suit people with a retail background, helping support the team to ensure every visitor has a superb experience and the shop runs smoothly. We may also need your help with identifying new, appropriate shop stock, merchandising, stock control and deliveries.
Help our Garden Office Run Smoothly
Become a Volunteer Office Administrator
Assist our small office team with administrative tasks. This role will suit people who are well organised with a friendly and helpful nature and who enjoy being part of a team. Good IT skills are essential.
Next Steps
If you’re interested in joining our team as a volunteer we would love to hear from you. We always aim to provide opportunities for a diverse range of people and you will always be accompanied by another volunteer or member of the Borde Hill team.
Time commitment for our volunteering placements is flexible and the roles would ideally suit someone living close to Haywards Heath, West Sussex.
Travel & Directions
Spend your day at Borde Hill. Under an hour from London and just twenty minutes from Brighton, Borde Hill is the ideal place for all ages to enjoy the beauty of nature.
Become a Member
Borde Hill Membership is your ticket to enjoy unlimited access to the Garden and Parkland throughout the open season. Our members also receive free entry to a number of exciting events, from live music in the Garden to Specialist Plant Fairs, and much more. Family Membership also provides unlimited access to the Adventure Playground and free school holiday trails.
Discover the Possibilities
Become a Member
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Our Garden & Grounds
Set within 383 acres of heritage listed Parkland, our formal Garden captivates and delights visitors with a series of intimate 'Garden rooms'. Beyond the formal Garden you can explore Woodland walks, the South Park and our lakes with outstanding views across the Sussex High Weald.
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Support Us
As a small, independent Garden Charity, we rely on your kind generosity to help fund our projects and to continue to grow sustainably, protecting our natural heritage for generations to come. 'Reinventing Borde Hill' is our most ambitious project to date and your support will help us to achieve exciting plans to benefit our local community.
It would make a huge difference if you would consider supporting us by making a donation – thank you.
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