Why Should I Volunteer with Ripon Museum Trust?

Role Description

Title: Workhouse Museum Head Garden Volunteer

Why should I volunteer with Ripon Museum Trust?

As Head Gardener you will be playing a vital role in managing, planning and developing the future of the award winning Victorian Workhouse kitchen garden. Within the garden there are areas which are maintained to encourage a wide range of wildlife, these are a wildflower meadow a hazel coppice and “wild” low management areas.

The garden volunteer team have worked enthusiastically to restore the demonstration garden using the best combination of historical planting and modern horticultural techniques. The Workhouse garden is an integral part of the visitor experience of the museum. This is a fantastic opportunity to use your horticultural experience and knowledge for the practical tasks within the role. As well as the leadership and support of the team of other volunteer gardeners of varying skills and experience.

What Will I be doing? Tasks may include:

·  Making decisions on planting, sourcing and propogating

·  Choosing varieties and planting

·  Organizing and administering purchases for the garden

·  Organizing and leading the garden volunteer team

·  Liasing with the Curatorial team on historical and interpretation decisions

·  Liasing with the Learning team on informal and formal learning opportunities in the garden

·  Planning future developments in the garden

·  Working to ensure the garden is wildlife friendly

·  Liasing with the Volunteer manager on the recruitment and induction of new garden volunteers

·  Being aware of health and safety issues and relevant emergency procedures

·  Working with local community groups, businesses and the media to develop and promote the garden and gardening.

What qualities, skills and experience do I need?

·  Horticultural expertise

·  Passionate about gardening and keen to share that passion

·  Interest in historical/ heritage gardening varieties and techniques

·  Confident working independently and as part of a team

·  Good communication skills

·  Experienced in planning and organising

How much time will I be expected to give?

·  Current garden team meet Tuesday and Saturday mornings with additional planning hours. This is not fixed. Hours are flexible and can be discussed.

Where will I be based?

Based at the Workhouse Garden with preparation and planning time flexible from home.

What can I expect from Ripon Museums?

·  A welcoming and friendly team of volunteers and staff to work with

·  The opportunity to meet a variety of new people

·  Induction and training will be given with on going support

·  An enjoyable volunteering experience

·  Programme of volunteer trips and social events

·  Valuable work experience

·  Sense of achievement

·  The opportunity to upskill.

·  Opportunities to get involved with other areas of volunteering

Following an application process with the Volunteer Manager new volunteers join the team and become registered volunteers with Ripon Museum Trust.