We’re taking part in The Big Help Out on Monday 8 May
We’re one of thousands of organisations across the UK offering volunteering opportunities as part of The Big Help Out on Monday 8 May.
To mark His Majesty the King’s Coronation, thousands of organisations across the country are getting together to ‘help out’. Starting on Monday 8 May, the objective of The Big Help Out is to raise awareness of volunteering and provide opportunities for people to make a difference in their local community.
As a charity, Chiswick House & Gardens Trust relies not only on the generosity of its funders, Members and Patrons but also on the invaluable support of over 180 volunteers. There will be a range of volunteering activities offered at Chiswick House & Gardens Trust on Monday 8 May as part of The Big Help Out.
The Garden
An opportunity to work with the Chiswick House & Gardens Trust gardening team, working to reintroduce biodiversity to woodland areas by weeding invasive species and developing habitat
areas. Re-locating woody material, adding to habitat piles and clearing open ground.
When: Monday 8 May, 10.30am–12.30pm
Where: Park Road Gate, Chiswick House & Gardens
Who: Open to anyone age 17+ and children age 12+ accompanied by a parent or guardian.
The House
Help spring clean the Grade-I listed Neo-Palladian villa. Choose between gently dusting the
interior using conservator-approved brushes and cloths or cleaning the stonework on the front
and back exterior stairways.
When: Monday 8 May, 11am–12.30pm
Where: Chiswick House
Who: Open to anyone age 17+ and children age 12+ accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Family Gardening Challenge
Bring the whole family to join a Family Gardening ‘Speed Weeding’ Challenge.
When: Monday 8 May, 12–12.30pm
Where: Park Road Gate, Chiswick House & Gardens
Who: All ages welcome.
Rosie Fyles, Head of Gardens at Chiswick House & Gardens Trust, said:
Volunteering is a brilliant way to get out and about, meet like-minded people and contribute to making your local neighbourhood a bit better. I started out as a volunteer and my experience of volunteering was life-changing. We can’t promise that on 8 May, but we can promise fresh air, good conversation and feeling like you’ve helped and achieved something.
After their hard work, Big Help volunteers are welcome to spend the day enjoying the free Gardens. The Café will be open all day and at 1pm, the Chiswick House Dog Show Doggie Dash will be taking place on the Western Lawn. The Kitchen Garden will also be open
11am-4pm. Free entry for Members.
How to join The Big Help at Chiswick House & Gardens
Participation is free but volunteers are required to register in advance. Find out more.
Volunteering at Chiswick House & Gardens
Volunteers are an essential part of the team, working with gardeners, front-of-house and office-based staff to help keep the House and Garden open and beautiful for everyone to enjoy. The Big Help Out is the perfect opportunity to experience volunteering and giving back to the local community.
Here’s what current volunteers Jennifer Edwards and Nick Fletcher have to say:
I don’t think I truly appreciated just how significant and rewarding a part of my life it would become!
At the end of my shift I always know that the park is being left in a better state than when I arrived.