Why do we need Gardening volunteers?
We are looking for volunteers who possess a love for dogs as well as a passion for and knowledge of gardening to assist in keeping our Old Windsor site looking great, and to ensure that it is an enjoyable environment for our people and animals.
This role will assist our Head Gardener and Maintenance Team in maintaining various areas around the Home, including pots, flower beds, borders, woodland, window boxes and our canine sensory garden, which includes a sandpit, paddling pool, willow tunnel and agility equipment in natural surroundings with wildlife-friendly vegetation.
What would I be doing?
• Be assigned specific working areas reporting any issues and observations to the Head Gardener.
• Watering, weeding, and deadheading the various pots, borders, and beds around the centre.
• Caring for various types of plants, to include herbaceous perennials, annuals, rose bushes, shrubs, and fruit trees around the centre, including several that require specific care.
• Maintaining walking routes, grass areas and footpaths including woodland path surfaces mulched with bark chip, cutting back undergrowth and weeding paved areas.
• Some larger planting projects may happen during the year which you would be welcome to get involved with.
What skills and experience would be useful for this role?
• Experience of and a passion for gardening. Specialist knowledge on caring for a variety of plants and some knowledge of pests and diseases is desirable. Where possible we aim to use non pesticide/herbicide control measures and knowledge of such would be useful.
• A friendly demeanour and willingness to engage with people is perfect for this role.
• Attention to detail.
• Good communication skills.
• Comfortable around dogs.
What support and training is provided?
• Support from the Gardening and Maintenance staff at Battersea.
• An informed run down on all gardening tasks.
• Volunteer briefing including information about Battersea, volunteering and Health and Safety on site.
• All gardening tools and equipment will be provided by the Home.
• A volunteer uniform comprising of t-shirt, sweatshirt and coat will also be provided by the Home.
Where will I be volunteering?
This role is based at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home Old Windsor, Priest Hill, Old Windsor, SL4 2JN.
Out of pocket travel expenses to and from volunteering will be reimbursed. Public transport is the recommended method of travel, but driving can be claimed at 45p per mile if travelling by car.
This is an all-weather role as the grounds need maintenance all year round.
Time commitment:
We are asking for a shift of four hours a week. Days may be flexible depending on availability. We ask for a minimum six-month commitment to support us but of course we always hope you continue for longer.
How do I apply?
If you are interested in this role, please complete our online application form.
We will hold interviews for this role at our Old Windsor centre, with the Head Gardener and Volunteer Coordinator. The interview will comprise of a short question session about your gardening experience, with the opportunity to discuss the role with the Volunteer Coordinator and Head Gardener, and to ask any questions. If you are successful to the induction stage, we will hold a half day, face to face session at our Old Windsor site, introducing you to Battersea and the grounds.
We are dedicated to providing reasonable adjustments and alleviating any stress during the recruitment process for those with physical and neuro diversities, whether this is adjusting environments, sensory preferences, answering questions or adapting communication styles. If you require adaptive support with your application, please email v.coordinator@battersea.org.uk. Any declaration of any disabilities or differences will be treated confidentially and compassionately.
Key dates:
Please note you must be available to attend an interview on February 27th, and our induction session on March 5th at our Old Windsor centre, if you wish to progress with your application. Unfortunately, we do not have capacity to change these recruitment sessions.
