The National Trust has seen more than 5,000 people come forward as new volunteers over the past year as more people seek out the feel good factor from helping local causes.
It has been the biggest increase in recent years and today more than 55,000 volunteers carry out essential tasks that help keep the charity’s doors and landscapes open to the public.
The growth in numbers comes in the year that volunteer involving organisations across the country celebrate the 25th anniversary of Volunteers’ Week.
The Trust’s volunteers are vital to helping the Trust carry out its work, with roles including gardening, conservation, helping run volunteer holidays, room guiding and footpath repair as well as more unusual roles such as photography, swan catching and costume making (see below for more case studies).
In 2009 a staggering 139 volunteers will receive their 25 years of service awards to mark their involvement with the charity.
Mark Crosby, Head of Volunteering at the National Trust commented:
'This increase in volunteer numbers is fantastic news as we are always looking for ways for more people to join in and engage with the work of the Trust. People are attracted to volunteering because of the opportunity to meet new people as there is always a strong social aspect, and it also enables them to keep active and busy. The increase could also be due in part to the recession with more people turning to unpaid work to enhance their CV or to obtain new skills for a career change.'
'The National Trust simply couldn’t achieve its goals without the involvement of volunteers. They play an instrumental role in bringing our 350 properties to life, enabling the general public to enjoy and benefit from the access to a wealth of historic houses, gardens and countryside throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland.'
Case studies
Fiona Benton, 37, is new to volunteering at the National Trust and got involved to help make the successful career change from a practice development executive in a London city law firm to landscape photographer. She currently volunteers with the National Trust at Stonehenge. She said:
'I left London to pursue a better quality of life in general and to finally fulfil my ambition to become a photographer. I’m currently studying photography and setting up my business while working part-time. Volunteering with the National Trust has given me the opportunity to practice and improve my skills as well as building my confidence. It also means I meet and photograph different people and get asked to photograph subjects I may not necessarily have chosen. Volunteering has also been a good way for me to meet new people as I knew no-one before I moved to the area last year.'
In contrast to Fiona, Katherine Severn, based at Plas Newydd in North Wales has been with the Trust for 25 years. She said:
'I started volunteering at the Trust after I suffered a brain haemorrhage and could no longer continue working on the family farm. My Doctor recommended that I volunteer to help keep my body active and my brain busy.'
'I started off at the Trust as a room steward before moving on to fund-raising activities and I currently sell raffle tickets in the grounds. I volunteer five days a week as I love being at the property and enjoy the social aspect of my role. In fact, I actually met my husband whilst volunteering, and that was 19 years ago.'
Volunteering at the National Trust is very flexible with people able to give as much or as little time as they can. For more information on becoming a National Trust volunteer, interested parties should contact the property administrator at their nearest National Trust property.
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