Volunteering at Stowe Gardens

A group of people gathered together in the grounds at Stowe in Buckinghamshire discussing the tasks that need to be done for the day — Enjoy volunteering in the gardens at Stowe | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

Stowe Gardens wouldn't be the same without its team of enthusiastic volunteers. Whether based indoors or outdoors, welcoming visitors to the garden, helping with administration, or helping our commercial teams bring in vital income, our volunteers help conserve and enhance this special place for everyone to enjoy. Discover how to volunteer at Stowe, and what's in it for you.

Regular volunteering

There are many ways to get involved in all the different aspects of Stowe Gardens, from welcoming visitors, to helping maintain the garden, raising vital funds, and much more.

We'll give you all the training you need, with regular sessions to help you update your knowledge and familiarise yourself with this special place, as well as sessions to develop your skills.

There's no fixed number of shifts to cover or hours to volunteer – we're very flexible, and most roles have an online rota so that you can sign up to help as much or as little as you wish.

Socialising as a volunteer

There are lots of opportunities to meet up with other volunteers, with regular socials, trips, and a Christmas party.

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.

Garden staff and volunteers at Stowe, Buckinghamshire in July — Garden staff and volunteers in the garden at Stowe in July | © National Trust Images/John Millar

Team or corporate volunteering at Stowe

There's so much to be gained from a day out in the fresh air. Here's some of the great reasons to convince your team to come to Stowe:

Volunteering is a great way of giving back to the local community
Achieve your own Corporate Social Responsibility aims. From reducing your carbon footprint by tree planting, to protecting the environment by helping to create new habitats; our activities will support your strategy
Promote employee bonding and relationship-building across departments which don't often work together
Enhance your brand's image with your own customers by showcasing your support of a charity
Boost morale within your team by providing time away from daily tasks, recharge their batteries and increase employee productivity and staff retention
Improve relationships with key stakeholders by developing a regular programme of community work
Teach individuals new skills and build self-esteem
Providing access to the natural world will help employees support change initiatives such as energy-saving and recycling

Why not combine a workshop, training or meeting in our Bennett Room with half a day's volunteering? For more information about hiring the Bennett Room please email us.

‘At the heart of the National Trust is a simple common purpose. For places, for ever, for everyone. Donations from businesses help us continue to beat in tune with the heart of our founders' ambitions.’

Barry Smith, Head of Gardens and Estates at Stowe

A couple of volunteers running a craft activity as part of an event in the garden at Wightwick Manor, West Midlands — Be part of a fun and friendly team of volunteers | © National Trust Images/John Millar

Work experience

We welcome applications from individuals wishing to join us for work experience in all departments across the Stowe and Aylesbury Vale team. Work experience is a fantastic opportunity to develop your skills and learn about the running and management of a significant heritage property. Where possible, we tailor work experience to students' interests, resulting in an engaging work experience for all.

Applying for work experience

Competition for work experience places is intense, we interview all work experience applications, giving students an opportunity to share their passion for the National Trust and our work. For an informal conversation about work experience, please contact us here.

Volunteering at Boarstall Duck Decoy

Those who wish to volunteer at the nearby Boarstall Duck Decoy can contact the team at Stowe to get involved.

Enthusiastic volunteers are always welcome at the Decoy and its surrounding natural woodland.

Corporate volunteering opportunities are also possible – combine your team away day with the conservation work at Boarstall Duck Decoy. To find out more, please contact us on 01280 817156 or email us.