RHS New Shoots Horticultural Careers/Volunteering Taster Session (Wisley)

RHS New Shoots Horticultural Careers/Volunteering Taster Session (Wisley)

  • Ages 16+

A one off taster session at RHS Garden Wisley for anyone interested in discovering more about horticulture, volunteering or green careers.

By Royal Horticultural Society New Shoots

Date and time

Saturday, April 26 · 9:45am - 2pm GMT+1.

Location

RHS Garden Wisley

Wisley Lane Wisley GU23 6QB United Kingdom

About this event

  • Free venue parking

RHS Garden Wisley is a large and diverse public garden showcasing a vast range of horticultural displays, from ornamental woodland to our tropical glasshouse, or our world food garden.

This one off taster session will include a walk and talk around the garden exploring:

  • Who the Royal Horticultural Society are,
  • How horticulture can be good for us and nature,
  • How our gardening science team are researching how gardeners can make an environmental difference, and
  • Information on green careers/training and volunteering in horticulture.

The session will also include a hands-on practical activity (equipment will be provided). An opportunity for a complimentary hot drink or sandwich will be provided.

So, if you want to work or volunteer in a growing horticultural sector that adds over £28 billion to UK GDP, or you have a love for growing and want to explore how you can turn this into volunteering or a career, sign-up to attend this one off session.

Frequently asked questions

What age do I need to be to attend?

Unfortunately we cannot accept attendees under the age of 16. There is no upper age limit, though please be aware that there will be a physical activity as part of the session.

Can I attend multiple Taster Sessions?

These taster sessions are one off events . Each taster session will vary slightly in terms of seasonal activity, but will be predominantly the same as the other taster sessions listed. Please therefore only sign-up to one session on the date you prefer.

I'm in year 10 at school and interested in work experience - is this for me?

Unfortunately, you need to be over 16 for this activity. If you are in Year 10 at school and want to find out about work experience head to www.rhs.org.uk/NewShoots.

What do I need to wear?

Part of the activity will involve being outside. Please wear appropriate clothing for the weather forecast and wear sturdy footwear (no open toed shoes or heels).

Do I need to pay to enter the garden?

This activity is free and as part of it you will get free entry into the garden.

How do I get to RHS Garden Wisley?

Head to https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley/plan-your-visit#getting-here to find out more. If you need travel support please contact NewShoots@rhs.org.uk

I have additional accessibility requirements - can I still attend?

Yes, absolutely. Please let us know ahead of the event what additional accessibility requirements you have. We will work with you to identify how we best accommodate your needs.

Do I need to bring lunch?

We will provide a complimentary voucher for you to purchase a hot drink or light bite from our cafe. Our cafes do cater to a range of dietary requirements, however we cannot guarantee availability foods to suit specific needs.

Will I get to be hands-on with plants?

We aim for every taster session to involve a practical component with plants. However, that doesn't necessarily mean digging! It could be an activity with our science teams, for example we previously collected herbarium samples.

Do I need to bring any Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)?

If you have your own gloves and safety boots (steel toed) you can certainly bring these with you, although you will need to ensure they are clean and sterilised. However, we will provide PPE on the day appropriate for the activity we undertake.

Do I need to bring any tools?

No, we will provide any tools we need for the activity.

I have a carer/someone who provides me support but there is only one ticket left - can the come too?

Yes they can - carers do not need to book a ticket, instead please e-mail NewShoots@rhs.org.uk to let us know and we can make sure we add them to our participants list.

Organized by

Royal Horticultural Society New Shoots

New Shoots will be running 'taster sessions' throughout the year in order to give opportunities to young people aged 16 and over to find out more about the RHS, our gardens, careers and volunteering opportunities at the RHS, and how to access training and learning opportunities within horticulture.

Initially these 'taster sessions' will be held at our Wisley (Surrey) and Bridgewater (Manchester) gardens, with our other gardens following from 2024. All 'taster sessions' will include access to our gardens, a guided visit and a mixture of indoor and outdoor activities designed to give participants a hand-on 'taster' of what training and working in horticulture involves.

We want these sessions to be open to as broad a variety of participants as possible, and therefore if you believe you would struggle to access transport our gardens, please get in touch with us at NewShoots@rhs.org.uk

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