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 listed then just email us: scotneycastle@nationaltrust.org.uk

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.

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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
Utilise your existing skills and learn new ones
Opportunities to get involved behind the scenes in areas not open to the public
Immerse yourself in the stories of this special place
Engage and inspire our visitors with our work
Reimbursement of expenses for volunteering, such as your travel costs

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

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.

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.