LEARN about opportunities to volunteer with the National Trust properties in West Dorset and at the charity’s famous Stourhead House and Gardens in Wiltshire at some upcoming recruitment days. In West Dorset, would-be volunteers can find out more at  a volunteer day on Saturday 24th February, from 10am – 4pm, in Stourton Memorial Hall.

Roles at Stourhead include working in the famed landscaped gardens and the 18th-century Palladian mansion. Chantelle Margetts, senior volunteering and community officer, says: “At Stourhead, our volunteers bring so much value and importance to what we do, from inspiring everyone who walks through our doors, to the significant conservation work. Together, we continue to look after and uphold the legacy of Stourhead for future generations.”

Volunteer gardener Carly Williams says: “It feels wonderful to know that I am part of a fabulous team who are all dedicated to looking after a place with such a rich garden history, while having some fun and laughter along the way – including lots of tea and cake!”

In West Dorset, the National Trust team is looking for house experience volunteers to welcome visitors at Clouds Hill, Hardy’s Cottage and Hardy’s house, Max Gate. Clouds Hill was the rural retreat of TE Lawernce (Lawrence of Arabia) and Hardy’s Cottage and Max Gate were the homes of Dorset’s most famous author and poet, Thomas Hardy.

For outdoor roles, the Trust is also looking for welcome volunteers at the Hardy Monument and Hive Beach. The Monument to Vice-Admiral Hardy will be opening regularly in 2024 giving visitors access to the viewing point at the top of the tower. Hive Beach in Burton Bradstock is on the Jurassic Coast and welcomes thousands of visitors each year. Volunteers at the beach help to welcome visitors, manage the carpark and support on-site presentation.

Finally, there are opportunities to volunteer at the National Trust gift shop in Lyme Regis. This is in a beautiful location with a large footfall passing through the shop each day.

Scott Welland, operations manager for North and West Dorset, says: “We care for some very important places for everyone to visit and enjoy. It is always an exciting time for us when we recruit for new volunteers and meet the people that will help us to share these stories and look after our visitors. If you love meeting people, are passionate about local history or want to make some new friends, please get in touch to find out more.”