Landscape Project Volunteer

Role: Landscape Project Volunteer

Background: This is an exciting opportunity to be involved in a new project within the grounds to create a Sacred Space. Throughout history, people have created spaces to commune with nature and to meditate and pray in peace and quiet. In the mediaeval abbey, this would have been the cloister garden. Today we are creating a non-denominational, multi-faith sanctuary in a quiet spot in the grounds to replicate some of that spirit of peace. As part of this landscaping element of the project, you will help to build and plant a dedicated garden designed as a space for meditation, prayer, and contemplation. The timescale for this work is scheduled from 2nd October until 18th October. Thereafter, there will be the opportunity to be involved in post-construction maintenance of the space if interested. 

Managed by: Grounds Manager

Working Relationships: Senior Gardener, the Grounds Team, the Visitor Experience Team, Commercial Activity Team, Learning & Engagement Team, Volunteer Development Manager and other volunteers.

Opportunity:

Besides meeting new people this is an opportunity to:

• Work in the Abbey’s magnificent grounds
• Become involved in an exciting new project
• Share your knowledge and skills to create a new visitor area
• Contribute to hands on construction and planting  

Duties:

• Constructing railway sleeper beds from reclaimed timber
• Planting new beds as directed
• Mulching and watering of the new beds
• Creating a turf seat arbour
• Working in accordance with Health and Safety procedures at all times
• Working with a range of people and engaging with visitors where appropriate

Experience, knowledge and skills:

• Have some experience of timber construction and carpentry skills
• Have some knowledge of plants and planting
• Enjoy being outdoors and be happy to work outside in all weathers, if needed
• Have good communication skills
• Be able to work as part of a team
• Be self-motivated and keen to learn

Social Activities / Benefits:

Volunteers receive a membership card after a specified number of hours, which grants access to the abbey grounds all year round, discount in the abbey shop and café and subscription to the monthly Glastonbury Abbey Member Magazine.

We also hold occasional social events for volunteers throughout the year.

Induction, training and support:

• A Health and Safety induction will be provided.
• Explanation and demonstration as necessary in the use of small hand tools as required.
• Any PPE required will be provided as necessary.

Safety:

Volunteers must be able to competently use small handheld tools being mindful of their own and our visitors’ safety. 

Volunteers need to be able to move freely throughout the Abbey grounds. If you find this difficult and wish to volunteer, please contact us to discuss your particular needs.

Apply:

If you are interested in this role, please complete the online application form on the Glastonbury Abbey website. For further information please email the Volunteer Development Manager at Glastonbury Abbey or phone for an application form. The closing date for applications is 14th September 2023.