Volunteer
new volunteers are always welcome - we’re currently recruiting volunteer gardeners, new tour guides and people to help with our education programme
Our Volunteer Handbook provides lots more information about the role, opportunities and responsibilities of being a volunteer for the Friends.
Volunteer Gardeners have been keeping the Gardens beautiful for more than 30 years.
A recent picnic for volunteers and Council gardeners in the Marnock Garden
Garden volunteers work in groups, weeding and tidying, typically on weekday mornings — but other times and other tasks are also possible. It’s a chance to make friends and learn about plants.
If you’re interested in joining our garden volunteer team, please contact us on FOBS.gardenvolunteer@gmail.com.
Education and Engagement Volunteers
There are lots of opportunities to help out with the new education programme being developed in the Gardens as part of the National Heritage Lottery funded ‘Education and Engagement’ Project. If you would like to help deliver school sessions, work on events and get involved in learning and outreach then please email Laura the Education Co-Ordinator at laura.alston@sheffield.gov.uk
Supporting the Friends of the Gardens
We run regular tours of the Gardens and are currently looking for more Tour Guides. Training is provided. It’s a great way to share your love of the Gardens. Contact our tour co-ordinator on fobs.talksandtours@gmail.com to find out about the next induction session.
We’re also always looking for help with other Friends activities, from serving on our Executive Committee or organising trips and visits, to helping with plant and merchandise sales or making tea for our events! Contact our chair on chair.fobs@gmail.com if you’d like to get involved and support any of our activities.
Volunteer case studies
Anne
I currently volunteer in the gardens once a week, and have been mostly weeding and assisting in the propagation of plants. I enjoy my time spent as a volunteer because it is an opportunity to contribute to the gardens, which I love, and to have some gentle exercise in beautiful surroundings, with friendly and knowledgeable people. But what’s especially valuable for me is that this is true relaxation: it’s a complete change from my job, which requires a lot of focus, and as such I can let my mind relax and wander, and just enjoy the task at hand.
Bob
I've worked as a volunteer in the Gardens for about 5 years. At first this was in the Himalayan garden doing general maintenance as needed. I then moved to the Mediterranean Garden, weeding, pruning and generally trying to keep the beds from getting too overgrown. I now work behind the scenes in a small group - known as the Propagation Team, that raises plants from seeds and cuttings. What I like about the group is the depth of knowledge and experience available, the passion for plants and the willingness to pass on that knowledge. Plants are produced for the regular FOBS plant sales the proceeds of which go to benefit the gardens. Plants are also produced for planting out within the gardens and the success of the new South African border reflects the knowledge and expertise available within the team.
Raising plants is not limited to sowing seeds or taking cuttings but involves mundane tasks like potting on, primping of plants in readiness for sale, watering, weeding the nursery beds and preparing new beds for planting. There is no set routine, the range of tasks is diverse, often challenging and always worthwhile. It helps that all within this little team are passionate about plants and appreciate the value of the Gardens to the people of Sheffield. Being able to make a [very] minor contribution is both rewarding and satisfying.
Sharon
I became a Volunteer in March 2020 because I wanted to learn more about the Gardens and take advantage of the opportunities to pick the brains of so many knowledgeable people. I’ve always loved growing things and I wanted to get my gardening ‘mojo’ back after long years of commuting and no energy left for gardening!
As a regular visitor, I thought I knew the Botanical Gardens pretty well, but thanks to the chance to get hands on I know so much more, and appreciate all the trees, shrubs and plants with fresh eyes. Who knew there was a tree called the Tree of Heaven and have you seen the flowers of the Pink Silk Tree or the Tulip Tree? I feel really lucky to be able to work alongside professionals and I’ve made new friends who inspire me with their knowledge and dedication. I've also been able to put other skills to good use too, such as helping to edit the newsletter for the Friends of the Botanical Gardens. There are so many ways to get involved, and I've had such a warm welcome.