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Volunteering and community work at Kingston Lacy

Three people in a light-filled space, with big windows overlooking a garden
Volunteer room guide with visitors in the Loggia at Kingston Lacy, Dorset | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

Volunteering with the National Trust is a hugely rewarding pastime, giving people the chance to share their knowledge and enthusiasm while learning a whole new set of skills. Here at Kingston Lacy, we’re lucky to have a group of volunteers whose passion for their work is crucial in helping us to manage the house and garden. Want to join the team? Read on to find out more.

 

Why join us?

There are lots of reasons to join us; making the move to volunteer could be the best decision you ever make. 

  • Become part of a friendly and dedicated team 
  • Meet people from all walks of life and forge new friendships 
  • Utilise your existing skills and learn new ones 
  • Strengthen your CV and help to develop your career 
  • Enjoy the great outdoors 
  • Learn about the history of this special place.

 

Volunteer roles at Kingston Lacy

There are a variety of volunteer opportunities across the estate, from welcoming visitors to outdoor conservation work. At Kingston Lacy, we’re lucky to have more than 400 volunteers whose passion is crucial in helping us to manage the house, garden and wider estate.

If you would like to see the volunteer roles currently available, click the link below and type Kingston Lacy into the search facility. Please be aware that we sometimes pause recruitment at peak times such as the Easter holidays to balance staff capacity.

 


 ‘I've made so many friends, met many different people, learnt a lot and become part of a great team. Having been self-employed for my whole life, it’s lovely to do something different.’

- Alex Shaw, garden volunteer
 

 

A group of people working in a colourful woodland garden
Staff and volunteers working at Kingston Lacy, Dorset | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

Work Experience at Kingston Lacy

Over the last few years we have built a work experience programme with local schools. We offer a varied week of work experience, giving students the opportunity to try out different departments from the house to the garden. 

Applications go live every autumn for the following year, so check back after August for more information. 

Community Engagement

Cultivating strong community ties is core to our work. We collaborate with local councils, organisations and other charities to offer opportunities for people to access nature, beauty and history. We focus on providing life skills to young people, and experiences to people from diverse backgrounds. We are inspired and informed by the history of Kingston Lacy and its place within the community.

If you have any questions, please email us at kingstonlacy@nationaltrust.org.uk 

 

Thank you

Thank you to all our volunteers who give their time to support the National Trust in many different roles. 

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