Volunteering at Goddards

Woman with tools and wheelbarrow gardening in among a flower border with a large house behind — The team work hard to keep the garden at its blooming best | © National Trust Images / James Beck

Volunteers are crucial to keeping the garden beautiful and sharing the past stories of the place and people who once made a home at Goddards.

Volunteer roles

For the first time in 3 years, we are now looking to recruit new volunteers. Outdoor Talk Volunteers to help share the history of Goddards with our visitors. We’re looking for people who are happy to share their enthusiasm and passion for chocolate, the Terry Family and the beautiful place they created and made home.

Want to know more? Drop into our volunteering open day, Sunday 12 January, 10.30am-12.30pm.

Garden volunteer

Our team of dedicated gardeners are responsible for the maintenance and development of the formal and informal gardens at Goddards.

Their role customarily involves traditional gardening activities such as planting new trees and flowers, pruning seasonal borders, weeding, mowing the lawn and collecting leaves.

It's a never-ending task to care for the gardens here, and volunteers are crucial to helping with the important ongoing work.

A gardener uses a watering can to dampen down the floor of a bright greenhouse; there are tall tomato plants and several potted plants surrounding him — Volunteers help with sowing to harvest, and everything in-between | © National Trust Images / John Miller

Outdoor visitor engagement volunteer

Share stories of the Terry family and their life growing up at Goddards, alongside the history of the Terry company and its place in York's chocolate heritage. This crucial role helps supporters to understand the place they're visiting as they explore the gardens and can be as simple as a short two minute chat or longer story depending on a visitors interest.

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