Open Gardens is a volunteer-led initiative raising funds on behalf of Cornwall Wildlife Trust. Every year the team of three volunteer coordinators work together with private garden owners, communities, and a group of up to 30 volunteers to put together a programme of Open Gardens events.

These events take place on Sundays between April and September and allow rare opportunities for behind-the-fence access to some beautiful and impressive wildlife friendly gardens across Cornwall. They also allow for some fantastic days out, with all proceeds going to support the work of Cornwall Wildlife Trust in creating a Cornwall where nature thrives. Over the years they have raised a phenomenal £150,000 for the charity.

This does however, mean a great deal of commitment and work from the volunteers, with volunteer coordinators contributing over 150 hours each per year in organising, overseeing, and running these events, baking cakes and growing plants to sell.

Marte Martin-Upton, Community Fundraising and Events Manager at Cornwall Wildlife Trust, said:

“The incredible volunteer team work tirelessly to create amazing events that bring garden inspiration and wildlife appreciation to lots of people. They enable others to enjoy privately owned gardens in unique and beautiful locations, whilst enjoying delicious home-baked cakes; they do all of it to raise vital funds for Cornwall Wildlife Trust.”

Speaking from experience, one of the current Volunteer Coordinators said:

“Being a coordinator for Cornwall Wildlife Trust Open Gardens for the last 11 years has been a huge privilege and a pleasure. There are so many things that make it a unique and special volunteering role but for me the best part is working closely with the two other coordinators, with an exceptionally wonderful volunteer team and generous garden owners to raise funds for a very important cause. 

“An Open Garden day is busy but also the greatest fun and very rewarding. At all times Cornwall Wildlife Trust are responsive and support you exceptionally well to get on and do the coordinator job. I can highly recommend the role.”

The person Cornwall Wildlife Trust are looking for will be a people-orientated person, with excellent planning skills and have the ability to both take the lead and work well with others. They should be reliable, have a passion for gardens and, of course, be committed to the work of Cornwall Wildlife Trust.

In the specification for the role on their website, Cornwall Wildlife Trust state that they are hoping to find the suitable candidate soon, as they would like to invite them for an informal chat and to an opportunity to shadow the other two coordinators at an Open Garden. While previous experience in a similar role for a charity would be an advantage, it is not essential.

If you think this special someone might be you, Cornwall Wildlife Trust would love to hear from you.

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