Our work
What goes on behind the scenes?
With 100,000 visitors here each year, there's lots of work to be done behind the scenes and front of house. There are 23 staff as well as our 16 seasonal members of staff and over 350 volunteers.
Trevor restores the shell-back chairs
Trevor works on the shell chairs
© Clare Egan National Trust
'One of the main projects I am currently working on is the restoration of the eight shell-back chairs in the Wilderness Garden. Since leaving full time work as a carpenter joiner, I started volunteering as a welcome volunteer. When the staff found out about my skills, I was immediately put to work. I now lead a team of volunteers as the volunteer technician team leader to carry out all kinds of maintenance jobs across the property.'
Jenni develops our kitchen garden
'We have been expanding the garden, giving us more growing space. We now have a new pumpkin patch.
It's my favourite part of the garden and has been since I started volunteering here before I became a member of staff.'
Clare leads the way by bike
We have 32 new bike racks, so why not cycle to Ham?
© National Trust/ Gwen Thomas
'I am keen to encourage lots more people to travel here by bike and so worked on the project to install 32 new bike racks. This was a challenging project because Ham House is a Grade I Listed building. This involved working with lots of external partners, including getting the funding from our local council.
I am the Visitor Experience and Marketing Manager, organising our events and marketing and ensuring that our visitors have a very enjoyable visit.'
Jon in our gift shop
© Sarah McGrady
Jon sells our National Trust goodies
'I volunteer in the shop, as I enjoy working on the till, displaying stock (especially the beer) and meeting lots of different people. It's good experience travelling to Ham on two buses on my own and dressing in smart clothes. I enjoy having lunch in the garden, especially near the ice house, although it looks like a dungeon.'
Lydia shows people around the garden
'I first came here when my boyfriend brought me as a surprise on Valentine's Day. I started volunteering as a garden guide when I moved close by. I help people make the most of their visit to the garden.'
Gwen looks after the collection
© NT Ham House
'I have lived and worked here for five years as a house steward. This involves ensuring the preservation of the original 17th-century collection of furniture and art work, and the house itself. I love working with our fantastic volunteers too.'