Volunteering at Scotney Castle

Two adults talking over a map — Visitor Experience volunteers love helping visitors have their best day out | © Laurence Perry

Scotney Castle couldn’t run without the help of its volunteers. Joining the team here is a great way to learn new skills, meet new people and help support this special place. We have a range of volunteering opportunities available seven days a week, indoors and out, behind-the-scenes or visitor facing. Whatever your skills or interests, there’ll be a role for you.

Opportunities for all at Scotney Castle

Our volunteer team works alongside our staff to meet, greet, and help visitors feel welcome across the property, from the car park and Visitor Entrance to the tea-room and shop.

Not only do Scotney’s volunteers enable us to open the mansion house and old castle to visitors, they help look after one of the largest National Trust collections in the country, maintain the beautiful Picturesque garden, and support the rangers in the management of 780 acres of ancient park and woodland.

We aim to ensure our opportunities are as flexible as possible as we appreciate everyone has different needs and commitments. Do get in touch to find out how volunteering can work for you.

Volunteering roles for everyone

Our amazing volunteers help run every area of Scotney. Below are the roles we're currently recruiting for. To get an overview of each role and what it entails click on the links below. You can also apply for the roles using these links.

If you're interested in a role that's not currently live then just email us: scotneycastle@nationaltrust.org.

Two adults standing in front of a fireplace — Our house volunteers love sharing the quirks and secrets of Scotney with visitors | © Laurence Perry

People ask me why I volunteer here. Well, it's just such a beautiful place to be, so picturesque, and the staff and volunteers are amazing.

A quote by Tony Volunteer Castle Keeper

So why join us?

There are lots of reasons to join us and making the move to volunteer at Scotney could be your best decision yet.

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
Engage and inspire our visitors with our work
Reimbursement of expenses for volunteering, such as your travel costs

Take a look at the video below to meet some of our existing volunteers and find out what motivates them to volunteer.

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Video

Don't just take our word for it ...

Watch the video to hear our current volunteers explaining why they think you'd enjoy being part of the Scotney team.

Two adults working on a vehicle — Scotney's ranger volunteers get involved with all aspects of running the estate | © Laurence Perry

I volunteer because of the fresh air, exercise, being out in nature, and to give something back as well.

A quote by Chris Ranger Volunteer

Valuable experiences for younger volunteers

Getting valuable work experience at an organisation like the National Trust can really make your university, apprenticeship or job application stand out. You will build confidence and develop transferable workplace skills that employers love while supporting our vital conservation work.

If you’re aged over 16 (or 18+ for estate volunteers) there’s a rewarding role for you at Scotney. Our ongoing volunteering opportunities will fit around and complement your studies. You could use your time at Scotney for the volunteering section of your Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award or the CAS element of your IB Diploma.

We can also facilitate a limited number of short-term work experience placements for over 16s, so get in touch with us for more information.

Take a look at what some of our younger volunteers and members of staff say about coming to Scotney Castle.

Saying thank you with Scotney Extras

Volunteers and staff at Scotney Castle are a warm, friendly and inclusive community of people who work together as One Team. There is a calendar of events throughout the year, including special behind-the-scenes tours, curator talks and lectures, private views, guided walks, and the summer picnic where we celebrate the achievements of our volunteers with certificates and badges for every five years of voluntary service spent with the National Trust.

An adult in a hat pruning roses — Develop your skills and knowledge as a garden volunteer | © Laurence Perry

I've been a volunteer gardener here at Scotney for about four years. I do love it because you get to be outside, you meet lots of nice people, and you learn loads.

A quote by Julia Garden volunteer

Corporate volunteering

Are you looking to arrange a team-building day that makes a difference, or a local business interested in social corporate responsibility? Contact us to find out how corporate volunteering at Scotney could work for your organisation.

Get in touch

Making the decision to volunteer here could be a great move. Follow the link below to see our current role vacancies. If you're interested in investigating corporate volunteering, or if you just have any queries, please email us or call 01892 893820.