Garden Conservation Volunteer

Hours: Mondays, 10am–2pm (40 sessions per year)

Group Size: Up to 10 volunteers per session

Overview: Garden Conservation Volunteers support large-scale habitat and vegetation management across Highbury Park. This programme focuses on restoring woodland edges, managing invasive species, and improving access routes as part of the wider ecological restoration of the estate. Work is practical, active, and directly contributes to creating a healthier, more resilient park landscape. Volunteers tasks are assigned by the Head Gardener, with session planning coordinated by the Volunteer Coordinator.

Training: Volunteers receive an introduction to safe tool use, habitat management principles, and ecological priorities for the site. Machinery such as strimmers, blowers, or hedge cutters is only used after appropriate training and supervision. Chainsaws and chippers are operated only by qualified volunteer leaders or staff.

Responsibilities

• Remove overgrown vegetation (laurel, holly, saplings)
• Control invasive species such as Himalayan balsam
• Carry out bramble management (cutting or grubbing out)
• Maintain paths, including sweeping and weeding
• Support habitat restoration and creation projects
• Use tools and small machinery when trained and supervised
• Work safely within a team in outdoor conditions

What to Bring

• Sturdy footwear and weather-appropriate outdoor clothing
• Long sleeves and durable trousers
• Water bottle and snacks
• Gloves if preferred (spares provided)

Example Tasks

• Removing laurel along woodland boundaries
• Clearing access routes and cutting back encroaching bramble
• Maintaining waterways and drainage
• Pruning trees and improving sight lines