Volunteer Gardeners

Things you need to know, if you are thinking of being a volunteer gardener

If you have not been to an induction session you will need to identify this to the organiser on your arrival.

Tasks taking place in the next few months are included in the Volunteer Rangers Work Programme, which is available as a pdf file below

current work programme

The weather

Of course this has always been fairly unpredictable and so we offer some guidance on how weather will affect the volunteer days. A parks officer will attend every session rain or shine but we would not expect you to garden in adverse conditions.

If it has rained heavily the night before and there are heavy showers or drizzle before 10 am then the session will be cancelled.

If temperatures are high and the forecast is for sun, we recommend that you should use a high factor sun cream to protect your skin.

Car Parking

Unfortunately we cannot offer you free parking other than that available in adjacent streets. This tends to be 2 Hours stay limited, so you may want to move your car after 2 hours to the next street. We realise this is not the best solution and we are working with our car parks team to try and resolve this.

Locations

Queen’s Park.. Meet by the café / Toilet area

Town Gardens.. Meet by the café / Bandstand area

How the volunteer sessions are structured.

We will meet and discuss the given task. We will then talk you through any health and safety issues.

Any training will be given and we will then get down to the gardening itself.

Things you need to bring:

You will need to wear suitable shoes, no sandals or open toe footwear please.  Trousers or jeans that cover the whole of the leg are best as these protect the legs from stings and scratches.

You will need to bring food and drink with you; We will make sure we have water available.

You will not need to bring tools, but we do welcome them if you have any you prefer to use.

You should bring gloves. We will supply some but we cannot guarantee that they will fit.

What is supplied

Tools

Water

First aid (a first aider will attend each session)

Training

Hand washing facilities

Toilets

A request…. If you could let us know when you wish to attend this would be very helpful by dialling 01793 463304.

If you would like more details or would like to put your name forward to join this group please e-mail Richard Beale with your name, address and contact telephone number.

If you are unsure of how to get to any site please let me know and I will reply with directions.

As all ways new volunteers are always welcome and you can pop down when you want for how long you like, it's up to you.

I look forward to your participation and hope to see you there.

We look forward to seeing you in our parks and green spaces