Volunteer Role Description: Gardening Volunteer
Why do we need Gardening volunteers at Battersea?
We are looking for volunteers who possess a love for dogs and their welfare as well as a passion and knowledge of gardening to assist in keeping our London site looking both attractive and enjoyable to visiting public, staff, and our dogs.
This role will assist our Head Gardener in maintaining various areas around the Home, including pots, flower beds, window boxes and our canine sensory garden areas. Our gardening ethos is in sustainable nonchemical gardening to provide wherever possible wildlife habitats to support the local ecology as well as providing the dogs access to as many green areas as we can.
What would I be doing?
- You will be designated your own area within the site in which you will support and care for under the guidance of the Head Gardener.
- Caring for various types of plants, to include herbaceous perennials, annuals, shrubs, herbs and grasses.
- Watering, weeding and deadheading all the various planted spaces around the centre including some public facing areas.
- Keeping the flower boxes in the exercise paddocks maintained, watered and weed free.
- Reporting any issues relating to the gardened areas to the Head gardener.
- Maintaining the flower boxes along the areas known as the walking routes.
- Maintaining the flower beds in the car park.
- Some sweeping of paths and similar areas and litter picking to keep areas looking their best and to reduce the risk of litter to our dogs on site.
- Opportunities to engage in larger projects may also be available throughout the year.
Do I need any specific skills?
- 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.
- Physically able as this is a hands-on role with lots of walking and you will be gardening all year round in all weather conditions.
- Willingness to follow a scheduled plan and take instruction from Head Gardener.
- Be proactive as a team player as well as work alone as required.
- A friendly demeanour and attention to detail.
- Comfortable around dogs.
- Good communication skills.
- Where possible we aim to use non pesticide/herbicide control measures and knowledge of such would be useful.
- Due to the nature of the work involved, volunteers are advised that they are immunised against Tetanus.
What training will I get?
- Support from the Head Gardener.
- Training/ instruction on all gardening tasks.
- Volunteering briefing including information about Battersea, volunteering and Health and Safety on site.
- Ongoing support and learning opportunities from the Volunteering Team.
- All gardening tools and equipment will be provided by the Home.
- A volunteer uniform comprising of polo shirt and sweatshirt will also be provided by the Home.
Where will I be volunteering?
This role is based at our London site, Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, London, SW8 4AA.
When would I be volunteering?
We are asking for a shift of four hours a week on the same day every week, on either Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday (we are not recruiting volunteers for weekends).
We ask for a minimum six-month commitment, with the hope that you would like to volunteer with us for longer.
Who would I report to?
You will be reporting to the Head Gardener.
We strive to create an inclusive environment and ensure that our volunteers are involved in all aspects of our work, are valued for their commitment, and recognised for the extraordinary things they do for us. We are accredited by ‘Investing In Volunteers’, the UK quality standard for good practice in volunteer management.
We are committed to providing equality of opportunity and value diversity for all current and prospective employees, volunteers, and Trustees. We aim to ensure that this commitment, reinforced by our values, is embedded in our day-to-day working practices and our work together. At Battersea, we provide reasonable adjustments for those with disabilities or neurodiversity to ensure individuals can achieve the best out of their role.
If you require support with your application or wish to discuss reasonable adjustments further please email v.coordinator@battersea.org.uk or call on 0203 8878 349. Any declaration of any disabilities or differences will be treated confidentially and compassionately.
KEY DATES:
Monday 11th August - Deadline for Applications
W/C 18th August - Interviews (online)
W/C 8th September - Induction (in-person)