Volunteer Gardening

Durham City

Restoration and maintenance of historic 17 century garden.
Established more than 350 years ago, Old Durham Gardens provide a charming public space for everybody to enjoy. The gardens lie less than a mile from Durham city centre, and can be reached through a number of pleasant woodland or riverside walks. The gardens are owned by Durham County Council and have since 2010 been jointly managed with the Friends of Old Durham Gardens. The rejuvenation of these historic gardens is an ongoing project, with which you are welcome to help.

Responsibilities

We have groups of volunteers who enjoy coming to the gardens weekly, fortnightly or monthly for a couple of hours to help with a wide range of tasks, including:

•Weeding and planting in the herbaceous borders and walled garden
•Pruning our collection of pyramid yews and fruit trees
•Mowing and edging the lawns
•Cutting hedges
•Maintaining our benches
•Maintaining the fruit trees in the orchard
•Helping at our open day events
•… plus a range of other seasonal tasks

Skills & Qualities

Previous gardening experience is useful but not necessary as instruction will be given for each task undertaken. The ground is uneven and grassed all over with the walled garden more level than the lower garden which is accessed via a sloped path. Tasks are various and allocated on people’s abilities and the needs of the gardening season.

When & Where?

Old Durham Gardens, Benthouse Lane, Old Durham, Durham, DH1 2RY (SatNav use "Benthouse Lane" - there are problems with the postcode)

Between April and October we carry out garden works every Thursday from 9.30 am-12.30 pm and from 2.00-4.00 pm

Training and Support Offered/Expenses

Instructions will be given for each gardening task.

Volunteer Benefits

Gardening and working outdoors is recognised as giving people physical and well-being benefits. You will be contributing to the development and maintenance of an historic garden that is grade II listed by English Heritage.

Other Information

All ages from 18 upwards

Old Durham Gardens Logo
Old Durham Gardens More information
Type: Conservation/Environment, Employee/Group Volunteering, Gardening, Trusteeship/Committee, DIY/Odd Jobs

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