Volunteer recruitment day at Buckland Abbey

The National Trust team at Buckland Abbey are looking for new volunteers to help take care of this much-loved gem in the Tavy Valley.   

The team are hosting a volunteer open day on Friday 22 March,where anyone interested in getting involved can meet the team and find out more about what it's like to help look after the medieval Abbey and its estate.

The team at Buckland Abbey are seeking volunteers for a number of roles including welcoming visitors to the Abbey and bringing its many stories to life, buggy driving, running school tours and looking after the shop. For those interested in more outdoor based opportunities, the Buckland Ranger team are looking for new starters to join the monthly volunteer group, who assist with a wide variety of estate work such as tree planting and reinstating hedgerows.

Another way to get involved is as a historical cooking volunteer. This team of volunteers create a magical experience in the kitchen of the Abbey - wearing handmade period costumes and creating sensory experiences for visitors of all ages.

The Volunteer Open Day at Buckland Abbey will start at 10:15am and will involve an introduction to volunteering from Buckland Abbey’s Volunteer and Community Officer, Wendy Mills-Hicks, followed by an opportunity to speak to current volunteers and a short tour of the Abbey and Barn.

Wendy Mills-Hicks, Volunteer & Community Officer for Buckland Abbey, says ‘Volunteers are essential to Buckland Abbey, we wouldn’t be able to look after this beautiful place without them. They do a wonderful job bringing the place to life for visitors and helping conserve this over 700-year-old site. If you love meeting people, are passionate about local history, or want to make some new friends, please come along to the open day, or get in touch with the team.’

There is no minimum time expected of National Trust volunteers, however roles benefit from regular involvement (e.g. one shift a week) and shifts are normally three to five hours in length, depending on the role. All volunteers receive an induction and can shadow other volunteers, so they feel confident in their role.

Find out more and book your place at the open day by calling 01822 853607 or emailingbucklandabbeyvolunteering@nationaltrust.org.uk

 Buckland Abbey is open from 10am – 5pm each day, with the Abbey open from 11am – 4:30pm.