Wentworth Woodhouse simply could not survive without the work of our dedicated team of volunteers who give their time across a variety of roles from room stewarding and café welcome to events support and even film crew chaperoning!
People volunteer with us for all sorts of reasons: to give something back to the community, to develop new skills, and most importantly to spend time with like-minded people who care for the future of Wentworth Woodhouse, whilst making new friends along the way.
If you’re interested in finding out more about volunteering at Wentworth Woodhouse, please email our Volunteer Development Manager: alison@wentworthwoodhouse.org.uk.
Open Volunteer Roles | Garden Volunteers
We will be hosting a Volunteer Recruitment Day on Thursday 4th September, 10.00am-12.00pm to recruit for the following roles. Like the sound of one of our roles? Book your free place for the recruitment day HERE to find out more and sign up to be a part of one of the greatest restoration projects of our time!
First Impressions Garden Volunteer Team | Mondays, 9.30am-2.30pm
Work closely with the Horticultural Engagement Officer to assist with the upkeep of the visitor entrance area to the Garden, Chapel Court, the West Front of the House, including the surrounding paths and gravelled areas, urns, and flower beds. You will also support existing and new community engagement activities within the Gardens here at Wentworth Woodhouse.
Find the full description of the role HERE.
Community Garden Volunteer Team | Tuesdays or Thursdays, 9.30am-2.30pm
The Drying Green, now the Community Garden, is a walled area tucked behind the East Front’s North Tower, was used for hanging bedlinen out to dry and would have been used on every fine day for centuries. The Trust decided to turn it into a growing garden to grow its own produce and eventually stage horticultural workshops for local community groups and schools, securing initial funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. This role will assist in the maintenance, plant care, and upkeep of the vital space.
Find the full description of the role HERE.
Forest of Bewilderment Garden Volunteer Team | Wednesdays, 9.30am-2.30pm
The Forest of Bewilderment is an exciting educational experience encompassing aspects of sustainability and conservation, whilst also, where possible, ‘access for all’. This role will include maintaining and monitoring the Forest of Bewilderment, assisting with the delivery of nature-based activities from the education hub and outdoor classroom areas, and working closely with the Assistant Gardener to develop and organise nature-based activities.
Find the full description of the role HERE.
Get To Know Our Volunteers!
Maintenance Volunteer, Dave Johnson (also known as Brasso)
What is your role at Wentworth Woodhouse?
I am involved in supporting fundraising, restoration and maintenance. My role varies on a daily basis. I make a number of items for the fundraising stall using repurposed materials from the House. I also support on restoration which involves repairing and restoring chandeliers, door furniture and wood work.
How did you become involved with volunteering at Wentworth Woodhouse?
I visited the House on a food and gift weekend in 2017. Whilst visiting I noticed that some of the brass stair rods needed attention so I approached David Allott, the Trust’s Archivist, and offered to repair them. Soon after, I became a volunteer and was given a packing case with 50 parts of what resembled a brass chandelier. The parts were in different states of repair and needed a lot of TLC. I’m pleased to say that after over 400 hours of work I was finally able to restore the chandelier which now hangs within The Chapel for all to see. Might I add that this project also gave me my name within the House: Brasso!
What do you most enjoy about your role?
I enjoy working with all the people here. All the staff and volunteers feel like one big family. Everything that I do I see as a challenge and I just love to be challenged.
Why is Wentworth Woodhouse important to you?
Wentworth is important to me because I want to keep the history of the House going for generations to come. This House is testament to the wonderful skills of the people who built it, and we need to preserve it for the next generation. I wish I could live for infinity to carry on with the work, as I feel so passionate about everything we do here.