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.
Volunteer Recruitment Days
We’re looking for four new garden volunteer teams to help us care for and enhance the historic gardens and landscapes that surround Wentworth Woodhouse. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or simply eager to learn, this is your chance to become a part of something special.
Info:
- Arrival from 9.30am in the Pillared Hall for 10.00am start
- Introduction in the Low Drawing Room (paperwork to be completed)
- Tour of the Gardens and relevant project area
Applicants must provide two references on the day and be willing to fill in an application form with our Volunteer Manager.
Garden Visitor Volunteer Recruitment Day | Tuesday 28th January
9.30am-12.00pm
As a Garden Visitor Welcome Volunteer, you’ll create a warm first impression for garden visitors by assisting with the presentation of the entrance and surrounding areas. You’ll support community engagement activities and work alongside our garden volunteers, students, and partners, promoting positive mental health and wellbeing.
View the volunteer role here.
Community Garden Volunteer Recruitment Day | Wednesday 29th January
9.30am-12.00pm
Join our Community Garden Volunteer Team and help develop this exciting space in the historic Drying Green, a walled area behind the East Front’s North Tower. Once used for drying linen, it’s now a safe and welcoming space for community groups, schools, and volunteers to grow crops and flowers.
As a volunteer, you’ll assist with garden upkeep, support workshops, and help grow produce for our catering department and grow to sell, cut flowers.
View the volunteer role here.
Forest of Bewilderment Volunteer Recruitment Day | Thursday 30th January
9.30am-12.00pm
As a Forest of Bewilderment Volunteer, you will assist with the maintenance of our recently developed Forest of Bewilderment trail, a space designed to attract and engage family audiences.
You’ll have the opportunity to be involved in exciting educational projects that focus on sustainability and conservation. Where possible, you’ll help create and deliver activities to enhance this visitor experience – ensuring this trail remains a safe and exciting space for all who visit.
View the volunteer role here.
Woodhouse Players Volunteer Recruitment Day | Friday 31st January
9.30am-12.00pm
Bring your passion for performance to the gardens of Wentworth Woodhouse as a Woodhouse Player Volunteer. Join a dynamic team formed in 2024 to deliver children’s live-action trails and nature-based performances in our stunning outdoor spaces.
As a volunteer, you’ll rehearse, develop, and deliver engaging trails and plays for visitors of all ages. This role is perfect for enthusiastic individuals who enjoy working with people and bringing creative ideas to life in a unique setting.
Applicants must be 18 years of age and above.
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.