Volunteer Gardeners and Volunteer Lead Gardener

Volunteer Gardeners and Volunteer Lead Gardener

Posted for Skylarks Charity

Posted by Ealing & Hounslow Council for Voluntary Service

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Skylarks is a local charity which supports families who have children and young people with additional needs and disabilities. We deliver a wider range of services, activities, therapies, support and advice from our centres in Twickenham and Hounslow.

We are looking for a few people to be part of a voluntary gardening team at our new centre in Hounslow.

There are 2 main opportunities:

To be part of an initial team installing the garden: paths, planting, bark chipping, creating seating etc

To be part of the maintenance team, regularly weeding, watering, sweeping, planting and maintaining our plants and trees

ABOUT SKYLARKS CHARITY

At Skylarks, our vision is to help create a world where children with additional needs can thrive. Skylarks provides a supportive and active community for children with disabilities and additional needs and their families. We care for the whole family, providing opportunities to join in, develop and feel empowered, while reducing the isolation that families can experience.

OUR VALUES

Compassion – We lead with empathy and understanding.

Inclusion – Everyone belongs. We actively remove barriers.

Empowerment – We build confidence, skills and voice.

Community – We are stronger together.

PURPOSE OF ROLE

The Volunteer Lead Gardener plays a vital role in ensuring that our Hounslow Centre in Inwood Park remains a beautiful, safe, and welcoming environment for our families. You will oversee the maintenance of the grounds and help shape the future of our outdoor provision, including sensory and educational spaces.

PRINCIPAL TASKS

Garden Maintenance: Maintaining the garden and grounds of the Skylarks Hounslow Centre to a high standard.

Plant Care: Ensuring all plants, shrubs, and green spaces are cared for, watered, and remain healthy.

Corporate Volunteering: Supporting the Partnership Manager with Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) days where gardening is the primary focus.

Design & Development: Supporting the team in the design and creation of new sensory garden areas and forest school spaces.

Safety: Ensuring pathways and outdoor areas are clear and safe for children with additional needs.

What skills do I need?

All gardeners:

A willingness to get involved, to muck in and create a special place for families who have children with disabilities

The ability to work well as part of a team

An understanding of plants and how to care for them

A willingness to follow health and safety procedures

Volunteer Lead Gardener:

Essential:

Practical gardening experience and plant knowledge.

A "can-do" attitude and willingness to lead small groups of corporate volunteers.

An interest in creating inclusive outdoor spaces (e.g., sensory gardens).

Desirable:

Knowledge of "Forest School" principles or sensory planting.

Experience in landscape design or grounds maintenance.