Gardening and Plant Nursery Volunteers

Highdown Gardens is home to a National Plant Collection of rare, exotic plants collected in the early 1900s. These specimens hold significant scientific value due to their adaptation to downland chalk soil. Our Curator is dedicated to conserving this unique collection to ensure the garden's rich heritage is preserved for future generations.

About the Nursery role:

Nursery Volunteers will join our existing team in the propagation area. This is a great opportunity for anyone with propagation knowledge and experience of working in a glasshouse environment.

As a Nursery Volunteer you can expect to help with the following:

• All types of propagation
• Pruning
• Staking
• Label washing
• Watering
• Weeding
• Potting on
• Glasshouse cleaning
• Pot washing.

About the Gardening role:

You will work alongside Highdown’s horticulturists on a variety of garden maintenance tasks including:

• Planting
• Weeding
• Pruning
• Leaf clearance
• Mulching.

Benefits

• Gain gardening experience and knowledge from our team of skilled horticulturists
• You’ll get to work in a beautiful garden surrounded by plants
• Be part of an enthusiastic team at the heart of your local community

Practical Considerations

Commitment:

Minimum 2 sessions (5 hours) per month 

2 month trial period.

Travel:

Highdown Gardens is located just off of the A259 (Littlehampton Road), which is a dual carriageway. There is a car park on site, bus stops approximately a 15 minute walk away, and Goring-by-sea train station an 18 minute walk away.

Please go to the Highdown Garden 'How to Find Us' web page for further travel details. https://www.highdowngardens.co.uk/contact/how-to-find-us/

Support Disabled

Volunteers will work alongside a supportive team of staff who take their time to make sure that volunteering sessions are inclusive and can be tailored to help meet volunteers needs.

What skills do I need?

Below are the details regarding the skills and attributes we are looking for:

Essential Nursery Skills:

• Gardening experience
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Ability to work in all weather conditions.

Desirable Nursery Skills:

• Horticultural qualification
• Knowledge and experience in propagation.

While professional Gardening qualifications are not required, successful candidates should demonstrate:

• A genuine interest in gardening
• The ability to volunteer in all weather conditions
• Strong teamwork skills
• Good physical health
• Enthusiasm and a willingness to get hands-on with all tasks.