BE A VOLUNTEER

Do you have an interest in gardening, fine arts, exotic birds then why not be a volunteer at Waddesdon - an additional pair of hands are always welcome!

We currently have volunteers in the Gardens, Aviary, Marketing, Retail, the Collection, Visitor Services and Events departments and although we welcome enquiries for any department, we are particularly interested in finding volunteers for the following areas (training is provided where necessary):

Room Wardens: Provide security and protection for the contents of your assigned room; supervise visitor safety in an emergency and provide a friendly, welcoming, but watchful presence, and deal with any questions informatively and courteously. The day begins at 11.00 or noon until the House closes at 4.00, with refreshment breaks at certain times.

Land Train Drivers: The land train seats 24 people and operates a shuttle service from outside the Manor to the Stables Restaurant only, there are no alternative pick up points. It runs every day we are open from 11.00-4.00, occasionally 5.00. A rota is split into 11.00-1.30 or 1.30-4.00, shifts or a whole day can be worked. You can choose! There is a training session on the operation of the land train which also covers health and safety issues. A copy of our paper driving licence is required.

Public Events/Marketing: Every year Waddesdon offers a full programme of events, including garden walks, family days, special interest days and music. The majority are assisted by volunteers, who also have the opportunity of attending the events. The Marketing Department also sometimes require assistance with mailings and administration.

Raffle Ticket Sellers: This is fun role suitable to someone who is positive and confident, has the ability to relate well to all types of people, a team player, likes mixing and talking with people, enjoys being outdoors and walking around, good interpersonal skills and interest in the NT/Waddesdon Manor heritage and evironment.

Warehouse Assistant: This is heavy work, which requires a bit of lifting. A driving licence would be very helpful in order to assist with making large wine deliveries in the warehouse van to The Manor Restaurant, The Dairy and Five Arrows Hotel and maybe other locations. We need help with bulk assembly of Waddesdon wine tasting cases and wine gift packs. This requires meticulous attention to detail and good presentation skills. Ideally we require someone who can offer two/three full days a week.

Nursery/Plant Centre Assistant
At the Waddesdon Plant Centre and Nursery we require voluneers who are interested in plants, working as a team and getting their hands dirty! The role involves assisting with the propagation of plants that will go into the Waddesdon Manor Gardens which are seen by visitors to Waddesdon, potting, pruning, planting and seeding. This is an all year round role.

The other part of this role involves assisting in the Plant Centre with displays, watering plants, tending to products on sale, helping customers and occasionally till point operations. It is very much a hands on role that would suit someone who is happy to deal with the public and is a team player.

Catering Department: The catering department is often looking for additional hands to help on busy days. This may be serving teas or ice creams, cleaning tables, meeting and greeting visitors on arrival, helping at events, taking tickets, pouring wine etc. No two days within the catering department are the same. If you are a naturally warm welcoming person with an interest in people there will always be something you can do to help.

Garden Guides: A good opportunity to meet other garden and walking enthusiasts. The Garden Guide role involves a guided walk of the Manor Gardens, these take place Wednesday-Sunday at 2.30 for 30-45 minutes, on Thursday there is an additional Water Garden Walk at 11.30. Regular meetings are held for updates, general briefings and training.

Weekday or Sunday Gardeners: This role is to assist the garden team in a wide range of day to day tasks. A little knowledge of gardening is required and a desire to be out in the open in all weathers. You will be asked to undertake the following tasks: weeding, planting out bedding, deadheading, pruning, re-potting, edging and assisting the project team in all aspects of gardening tasks.

Sunday Garden Group Gardeners: Ideal for those who wish to help but cannot make a regular commitment.

Full Time Garden Volunteers: The National Trust at Waddesdon Manor offers a limited number of opportunities for full-time voluntary work for those with time to spare, between further education and work, as part of a university or college course, or between jobs. Full-time volunteers at Waddsdon Manor could be involved in the following areas: Survey and research work, such as botanical, technical, historical, archival and archaeological.

This role is a minimum of three months with living accommodation (including heating) you normally contribute 37.5 hours per week - usually Monday to Friday, 8am to 4.30pm - in line with the regular gardens team. In addition, we would ask that you are prepared to give occasional weekend hours, for which time in lieu can be taken. The actual cost of meals taken during work time (up to £5 per working day) is reclaimable upon presenttion of receipts (for food only) and a completed claim form. We may also agree to reimburse some other reasonable expenses, which must be agreed with the Head Gardener.

Aviary Assistants: Volunteers can assist in many ways, including feeding, cleaning, food preparation, project work and maintenance. They may also be able to help with public presentations or recording data on to the computer. The work is varied and our current volunteers appreciate the discipline required to work with livestock.

Trading Department Assistant: The Trading Department encompasses the Manor Gift Shop, Stables Shop and Wine Warehouse; off-site wine sales and Waddesdon Plant Centre. Opportunities for volunteering include, helping with bulk mailings such as Waddesdon wine list and business gift catalogues; assisting in the Manor Shop stock room, assisting in the warehouse, packing wine for despatch, general duties at the Plant Centre e.g watering, weeding, top dressing, van driving and general administration in the Trading office.


Feeling part of a team is an important part of becoming a volunteer at Waddesdon. With your help we are able to achieve so much more. To thank you we are able to offer you travel expenses and a special volunteer card. This card is awarded once 50 hours voluntary work has been completed. It entitles the holder to free entry into National Trust properties and is valid for one year (April to March) and a 20% discount on goods bought in National Trust property and High Street shops.

Any arrangements are binding in honour only and not intended to be legally binding.

If you would like to know more about any of the above roles, or any other information about helping as a volunteer at Waddesdon Manor, please contact Liz Wilkinson on 01296 653307 or email Liz.Wilkinson@nationaltrust.org.uk