Volunteer

You can make a real difference and gain a lot in the process:

• Personal fulfilment: your contribution will make a real difference in your local area, preserving and protecting the beauty and history of Highbury for the community to enjoy and the benefit of generations to come.

• Gain skills and knowledge: whether it’s pruning tips, correct tool usage, horticultural knowledge, or the history of the Chamberlains and storytelling techniques – through volunteering you can develop skills and expand your knowledge.

• Connection: meet like-minded people and become part of a fun and friendly team.

• Recognition: as a CHT volunteer, you will always be valued and supported. We provide induction, training and support, and you’ll be covered by our insurance when volunteering under our instruction.

“A new chapter of life and learning has been opened up to me, and it is really fulfilling and fun!” HighburyTour Guide

Anyone! We welcome people with all kinds of interests, backgrounds and availability. You don’t need prior experience, just enthusiasm, willingness to learn, and an interest in heritage, gardens, people or community.

There’s no upper age limit for volunteering. If you can contribute safely and meaningfully, you’re welcome to join our team. However, anyone under 18 must have permission from a parent or guardian in keeping with our safeguarding policies. To ensure everyone’s safety, there may be some restrictions, and younger volunteers may be asked to participate alongside their parent or guardian.

Yes, community, school, college, or work groups can volunteer, and we may be able to organise specific volunteering sessions for your group. Please contact us for further details.

For outdoor gardens volunteer sessions, please wear sturdy footwear, clothing with long sleeves, jeans or durable trousers. We will provide gloves, hard hats, and all tools and equipment.

Whether volunteering in the gardens or leading a tour of the park, be sure to dress appropriately for the weather conditions and the uneven outdoor terrain.

If you are interested in becoming a Gardens Conservation Volunteer you can just come along and meet us by the Highbury Orchard storage container in the Park ///award.slug.spider

• You will be welcomed to Highbury and made to feel valued.

• We will match your skills and interests to appropriate opportunities. We will provide induction, training, and ongoing support.

• Safe and healthy work conditions will be maintained, and you will be advised of risk where necessary.

• You will be covered by our insurance when working under our instruction.

• We will recognise your contribution, listen to your feedback, and give you opportunities to review and shape your volunteering experience.

• We are committed to inclusive, diverse volunteering - accessible for people with different needs, backgrounds and abilities.

Time commitment is flexible. There are regular weekly sessions for Gardens Volunteers on Mondays and Thursdays, monthly Open Days that include house and garden tours, and other one-off volunteering sessions and events.

Yes, there will be an induction and training tailored to the role. Gardens Volunteers are trained in the use of tools and equipment and gardening techniques. Tour Guides will learn about the architecture and stories of the house and how to engage visitors.

Volunteers are not paid but expenses may be claimed within arranged terms.

Once we’ve received your Enquiry Form, we’ll get in touch and invite you to Highbury for a chat and an induction, where we’ll show you around the site and discuss the role. You’ll be given a copy of our Volunteer Handbook and asked to fill in an Emergency Contact Form. We’ll talk to you about what training or support you may need, and agree a date and time for your first session.

If you have refugee status, have exceptional leave to remain in the UK, or you’re an asylum seeker, you’re welcome to volunteer. If your final appeal is refused and you’re denied leave to remain then the law requires that you stop volunteering.