Volunteer

The Shrub and Herbaceous Team look after large areas across the RBGE site, including the Chilean and Japanese plantings, Rhododendron Copse, Biodiversity Garden and Herbaceous Border. Their areas comprise a mix of shrubby and herbaceous plantings, as well as pond areas and extensive bulb plantings.

Main duties

• Assist the teams with the maintenance and development of their areas in the Garden. This will include planting, weeding, watering and mulching, as well as other tasks such as pruning and division.  
• Welcoming visitors to the garden and talking to them about the work you are undertaking.

Skills and qualities needed

Qualities for this role are:

• An interest in gardening.
• A welcoming and friendly manner.
• Being open to learning and developing new skills.
• Some horticultural knowledge is preferred, but not essential.

What we can offer

• Experience in a range of horticultural practices.
• The opportunity to work with plants of high conservation and scientific value. 
• A warm welcome – we’re a friendly and supportive bunch!
• 10% discount in our shops

Commitment

We would like volunteers to commit to at least six months if possible. We are looking for help from 6 different volunteers on the following days:

• Wednesdays 9.30am – 2:30pm OR
• Thursdays 9:30am – 2:30pm

How do I apply?

If you wish to make an application, please complete the volunteer application form and return by email to volunteering@rbge.org.uk indicating Shrub and Herbaceous Team in the subject line. Please submit applications by 12 noon, Monday 20 April 2026. We will host a Garden walk-round on Wednesday 6th May 10:00 – 11:30, when you will have the opportunity to meet the team, hear more about what we do and walk round some of the areas that we look after. If you cannot make this in person but are still interested, we will contact you by phone to discuss instead. 

We encourage applications from candidates from diverse backgrounds, and value the positive impact that this has on our team.  RBGE is committed to ensuring that all volunteers are treated equally irrespective of their age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership, and pregnancy or maternity.

The Community Team are looking for a volunteer to join Edible Gardening.

Edible Gardening at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is a community focused programme. The aim is to share horticultural knowledge, skills and enthusiasm for growing food with diverse communities. This work is supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.

Main Duties include:

• Support the delivery of a programme of drop-in sessions where members of the public and booked-in community groups can make connections with people and plants and learn practical techniques for growing, harvesting and using food plants.
• Contribute to setting up a display and activities, facilitating activities such as seed sowing and simple games, and answering food growing questions.
• Assist with local community groups (this may involve working with children and vulnerable adults) booked into seasonal workshops.
• Guided tours of the edible garden and demonstration garden area for members of the public and booked community groups.
• Creating a warm and friendly welcome for garden visitors, other volunteers and students, answering questions and engaging with the public.

Commitment:

At least one volunteer session a month.  These will take place on Mondays, 1.30 – 4pm, March to October.  A rota will be created based on volunteer availability and public and community demand.

For further information on the role and requirements, please see the role description here.

How do I apply?

If you wish to make an application, please complete the volunteer application form and return by email to volunteering@rbge.org.uk indicating Edible Gardening in the subject line.  Please submit applications by 12noon, 24 April 2026.

We encourage applications from volunteers from diverse backgrounds, and value the positive impact that this has on our team.  RBGE is committed to ensuring that all volunteers are treated equally irrespective of their age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership, and pregnancy or maternity.

If you have any access requirements or questions relating to this volunteering opportunity, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

The Community Team are looking for a volunteer to assist with practical horticultural tasks in the Demonstration Garden at RBGE.

This will be a very physical role and will require outside working in many weather conditions, which will also involve bending, kneeling, walking and pushing a barrow.

Main duties will include:

• General garden maintenance including weeding, sowing, planting, harvesting and watering
• Working across the demonstration garden (including kitchen garden, fruit garden and community plots)
• Landscaping and digging new beds
• Creating a warm and friendly welcome for garden visitors, other volunteers and students, answering questions and engaging with the public.

Commitment:

Tuesdays, 9.30am – 2.30pm, March through to November

For further information on the role and requirements, please see the role description here.

How do I apply?

If you wish to make an application, please complete the volunteer application form and return by email to volunteering@rbge.org.uk indicating Demonstration Garden in the subject line.  Please submit applications by 12noon, 24 April 2026.

We encourage applications from volunteers from diverse backgrounds, and value the positive impact that this has on our team.  RBGE is committed to ensuring that all volunteers are treated equally irrespective of their age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership, and pregnancy or maternity.

If you have any access requirements or questions relating to this volunteering opportunity, please do not hesitate to get in touch.