Cornwall Wildlife Trust’s hugely popular Open Gardens programme, which runs from April to September every year, is a volunteer-led project with a difference. Every year, three volunteer coordinators collaborate with private garden owners, communities, and approximately 30 volunteers – while receiving support from Cornwall Wildlife Trust staff – to help approximately ten private gardens to open their gates in aid of the Trust. We are now very excited to announce that we are looking for new volunteer coordinators to help us orchestrate the programme!

While allowing for visitors and supporters to visit privately owned wildlife-friendly gardens, enjoying a relaxing Sunday afternoon among stunning scenery and flora, this series of events also raises vital funds for the Trust; to date, over £175,000 has been raised through these wonderful open days, a truly phenomenal figure.

Our volunteer coordinators and Open Gardens volunteers are a truly dedicated and committed bunch. Behind the scenes of the programme, our coordinators contribute over 150 hours per year in organising, overseeing, and running these wildly popular events, while also baking delicious cakes, selling beautiful plants to sell, and managing a team of 30 equally dedicated volunteers at the events themselves.

Sam Lucock, Community Fundraising and Support Officer, said:

“Our absolutely incredible team of Open Gardens volunteers have been an invaluable resource and enormous help for the annual operation of the Open Gardens programme, and we could not be more thankful. These Open Gardens are not only a fundraising opportunity, but also an important way for thousands of guests and supporters to enjoy, and be inspired by, idyllic privately owned gardens across the county, helping them to be inspired by the wildlife-friendly gardening tactics deployed at each garden. Our next volunteer coordinators will be equally invaluable, helping us to facilitate our fourteenth year of the programme and beyond.”

Speaking from experience, one of our former volunteer coordinators (and current Open Garden volunteer) also says:

“Being a volunteer coordinator for 11 years, and now volunteering at the Open Gardens events themselves, has provided a wonderful chance to learn more about gardening, plants, and wildlife, while also providing the unique opportunity to explore gardens around Cornwall that we wouldn’t normally have access to. One of the best experiences has been getting to know, and building relationships with, garden owners and forming strong friendships with other volunteers. We also have so much fun: my baking skills have considerably improved! Additionally, Cornwall Wildlife Trust are a unique and wonderful organization to volunteer for, always being on hand if you need them, being quick to respond to any issue, but allowing you to work with autonomy.”

Cornwall Wildlife Trust are now seeking to recruit new volunteer coordinators to join the highly successful Open Gardens programme. The ideal volunteer coordinator would be a people-orientated and solutions-focused individual. They will need to have the ability to engage and form strong working relationships with others, while also being able to motivate, inspire, and lead other volunteers. Due to the nature of the role, a driving license and a reasonable degree of fitness are both required. They will also need to be enthusiastic about gardens, wildlife, and the mission of Cornwall Wildlife Trust. Prior experience in a similar capacity would be advantageous, but not a necessary requirement.

Cornwall Wildlife Trust are hoping to recruit the new volunteer coordinators by the end of June, so that the lucky people can attend a couple of Open Gardens and get a real feel for the events. If you think that this incredible opportunity is for you, then we would love to hear from you.

Apply here