The National Trust has reached a new landmark with more than 50,000 volunteers supporting the charity in carrying out its work, according to new figures released today.
A big thank you
© NTPL / David Levenson
With tasks ranging from countryside wardens to room guides, National Trust volunteers donate more than three million hours of their time each year. The donation of time by volunteers is worth a notional value of over £20 million, but their time is worth much more than that, says Fiona Reynolds, Director -General of the National Trust.
'I want to say an enormous thank you to our wonderful volunteers,' she adds. 'They are integral to what we do and without them we could not ensure that our special places remain open, relevant and accessible to millions of people. We’re encouraging people to join in with what we do, and no-one does this better than our volunteers.'
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Why are volunteers important
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© National Trust
Opportunities to volunteer with the National Trust come in all shapes and sizes at beautiful and inspiring places throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Room guides make up the largest group of volunteers and others have roles in gardens, outdoor conservation projects, technical and administrative roles in shops and offices.
'Volunteering is a mutually beneficial experience,' says Anne Finnie, Director of Community, Learning & Volunteering at the National Trust
'For the Trust, volunteering is at the heart of being able to involve our supporters more closely in what we do. Our volunteers bring our properties and work alive for millions of members and visitors every year.'
'Volunteers can give as little or as much time as they like. From the occasional 30 minutes, to working holidays or a regular commitment, part of the enjoyment of volunteering comes from its flexibility. In return, our volunteers tell us that they get a range of benefits, including the chance to meet new people, learn new skills or keep physically active and healthy.'
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Some volunteering stats
© National Trust
A recent survey carried out by the National Trust showed that its volunteers are motivated by a large range of factors, ranging from developing their career prospects by acquiring new skills, to meeting new friends, developing new interests or overcoming personal or health-related problems.
As many as 99 per cent of volunteers say that they are proud of volunteering with the National Trust, 99 per cent say that they find volunteering with the Trust enjoyable and 96 per cent say that they feel like they are making a positive contribution. Around 40 per cent of National Trust volunteers give their time once a week, with one in six doing so more frequently. Two thirds of volunteers have been volunteering with the Trust for more than three years.
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