We need volunteers to help in all aspects of our work. From gardens and countryside, to historic houses, or from fundraising to learning, there's an opportunity for everyone.

Finding inspiration and bringing history alive

'Returning to Britain after 17 years of academic life in America, it was to a very different life, and it was as a conservation volunteer with the National Trust that I turned for inspiration. While a student at a local college, I undertook voluntary work with the Trust at Corfe Castle, as well as participating in numerous National Trust volunteer 'Megabashes' and Working Holidays.

After ignoring my environment for so long, I thought it important to make a contribution. I have a condition similar to Parkinson’s, so I see life from a different perspective. I believe we take everything (and everybody) around us for granted, we are so caught up in materialism. So it’s a joy to volunteer for the Trust, an organisation that takes its job of conservation seriously.

What I enjoy is all the people who come to this magnificent castle and now, as a Corfe Castle Steward, I am afforded the privilege of seeing the castle fresh on a Sunday morning with the local church bells ringing. It is the best place in the world. To be surrounded by all this history is quite stunning.

In addition to greeting visitors from all over the world, I assist the learning team in the education department. I am also going to write a paper on Lady Mary Bankes who defended the Castle against Parliamentarian attack in the 17th century.

But when the sun shines, even in winter, I am invariably outside. I worked with the Trust warden and other volunteers keeping the gorse on the surrounding hills under control. I sometimes wondered whether this was useful work. But when I looked at what we had achieved, any doubts I had instantly vanished. And, when the work becomes too much, there is the fantastic view of the Castle to gaze upon.'

Ian Stuart, volunteer at Corfe Castle