About the garden
Porter’s Garden is a beautifully restored historic garden, originally designed using eighteenth-century principles. Enclosed by the dockyard wall, pleached lime hedging, yew and box hedges, and four walnut trees, the garden features a blend of exotic, florists’ and commonplace plants that reflect naval exploration, plant-finding, and domestic uses.
In 2002–03, wrought iron gates commissioned from designer blacksmith Peter Clutterbuck, along with the maturing yew hedge, restored the privacy and character of the original Porter’s Garden, creating a tranquil and welcoming historic environment for visitors.
The role
As a Porter’s Garden Volunteer, you will be part of a friendly volunteer team helping to care for and develop this unique historic garden while supporting visitor engagement.
Key responsibilities include:
- Supporting planting, pruning, weeding, and general garden maintenance
- Helping maintain a welcoming, safe, and well-presented space for visitors
- Sharing the history of Porter’s Garden with visitors and answering questions
- Assisting visitors and providing a friendly point of contact
- Attending quarterly volunteer planning meetings
- Supporting general site tidiness and safety standards
- The role does require a good level of fitness, ability and strength
Full training is provided, including:
- Site familiarisation and induction
- Health and safety training
- Role-specific guidance and ongoing support
About the organisation:
As custodians of historic buildings, boats and spaces in and around Portsmouth Harbour, Portsmouth Historic Quarter breathe new life into this Naval heritage, creating energy and vibrancy, ensuring that it is sustainable and accessible for all.
Please check your junk email folder in case any emails end up there. Friendly reminder that the charities/organisations emails may end up here too.
Don't forget you can add up any volunteering hours as part of Team 100 Opportunity - Hive Portsmouth or part of the Donate 100 things challenge Opportunity - Hive Portsmouth.
Skills
- Enthusiastic about gardening , heritage and working outdoors all year round
- Good level of fitness, ability and strength
- Friendly and approachable
- Willingness to learn are key
Details
- Over 18 years only
18 years and over
When can I volunteer?
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | No | No | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Afternoon | No | No | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Evening | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
Availability Details
Wednesdays 10am - 1pm
Location
This opportunity has no specific location.
More Opportunities from Portsmouth Historic Quarter
-
Ship's Plaques Volunteer
Portsmouth Historic Quarter
-
Visitor Welcome Volunteer
Portsmouth Historic Quarter
Similar Opportunities
-
Creative Workshop Volunteers
Think Big Do Bigger CIC
-
Conservation Volunteers
Parks PCC
-
One Off role - Eastney Park Run Volunteer- 14th June
Parkrun Portsmouth
-
Male Mentor
A Band of Brothers
-
Bike mechanic
Community Cycle Centre
