Volunteering at the Buscot and Coleshill estates

Children visiting Coleshill farm with an educational volunteer — Children on an educational visit to Coleshill | © National Trust Images/David Levenson

Volunteers are vital to the work we do on the Buscot and Coleshill estates, looking after and sharing the stories of a diverse range of places. Find out what kind of volunteer roles are on offer , and how to apply if you’re interested in joining the team.

Our volunteers help us care for and welcome visitors to the Buscot and Coleshill estates and White Horse Hill. You might be looking after houses, a Victorian model farm, a mill, the Heritage and Rural Skills Centre or outdoor spaces.

Volunteer roles around the Buscot and Coleshill estates

All of these roles are based at Coleshill, near Swindon. Throughout the year there are opportunities to volunteer in a different capacity and support other volunteer teams.

Children and young people volunteer

Join a team of volunteers supporting the delivery of workshops for children and young people. From supporting school visits to helping with family activities, there is plenty to do. From toddlers to teens to families, our volunteers inspire everyone to enjoy nature and heritage.

Second World War Operational Base volunteer

Our Second World War volunteers tell the extraordinary stories of the secret network of Auxiliers who were trained at Coleshill in the Second World War. Volunteers take visitors into a replica underground bunker. Many of our visitors come just to see the bunker.

Interior of the replica WWII bunker on the Coleshill Estate, Oxfordshire — Interior of the replica WWII bunker on the Coleshill Estate | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

Volunteer miller

Our mill volunteers show how the old village water mill worked. A mill has been in Coleshill since the Domesday book was written and has changed through the centuries. The mill is open once a month from April to October for Open Days.

History tour guide

Our guided tour volunteers take visitors back in time with stories of the history of Coleshill and the local area. You'll be sharing the story of the Victorian model farm, and why it's now the home of the Heritage and Rural Skills Centre. Some of our volunteers delve into the archive to add to their tours too.

Site presentation

Join a team taking pride in Coleshill and keeping it looking lovely. You could be weeding, painting, cleaning windows or more. This is a role where every day is different.

How to become a volunteer

If you'd like to find out more, visit the National Trust volunteering website and search for 'Buscot and Coleshill estates'. You'll be able to complete an application for your chosen role and then we'll be in touch.

Why join us?

There are lots of reasons to join us; making the move to volunteer could be the best decision you ever make.

Become part of a friendly and dedicated team
Meet people from all walks of life and forge new friendships
Utilise your existing skills and learn new ones
Strengthen your CV and help to develop your career
Enjoy the great outdoors
Learn about the history of this special place.

Thank you

Thank you to all our volunteers who give their time to support the National Trust in many different roles.

House Experience Volunteers at work in the Ambassador Room at Croft Castle, Herefordshire

Search our volunteer roles

Whether you're looking to help in the great outdoors, work with the public or get up close and personal with the houses, take a look at what's happening near you.

Find an opportunity