Volunteering

The membership of an organisation is a collection of individuals who have a shared interest. In our case, it is historic gardens and designed landscapes.

We may simply love them, but know nothing about them. We may feel that our only active contribution to the society can be to pay our subscription and come along to events, leaving the real business of the society to the experts. However, what is true about each one of us is that we have a range of skills, talents, knowledge and experience which could contribute considerably to the effective running of SGLH.

SGLH visit to Balcaskie. Photograph © Robert Luther

If you feel that you have something to contribute to the running of SGLH, maybe in an advisory capacity, for example in terms of accountancy, committee work, planning and surveying, managing historic gardens and landscapes or conservation, your offer of help will be much appreciated.

Whilst it can be personally fulfilling to put past experience to use in new contexts, SGLH also offers opportunities to acquire new skills, knowledge and expertise, no more so than in the initiatives such as the Glorious Gardens project. Participants in previous projects have been trained to research the history of a garden or landscape, undertake site surveys, and complete reports which are now publically available on the website of the Royal Commission on Ancient and Historic Monuments for Scotland.

Participants have also enjoyed the social side of their work, forging new friendships, getting out and about to interesting places and feeling that their contribution to the work of SGLH really matters.

The many historic gardens and designed landscapes of Scotland of regional significance do not enjoy statutory protection. SGLH is dedicated to taking positive steps to ensure that they are identified, recorded and appropriately conserved. This is a tough call when development has a higher priority than conservation in planning terms at both national and local level. Your help really is needed.

Pucks Glen. Photograph © Matthew Benians
Culzean Castle, Fish Gate. Photograph © Matthew Benians
Balcaskie. Photograph © Robert Luther

How to get in touch

Please contact us to register your interest in whatever aspect of the work of the work of SGLH you feel drawn to:

  • Contributing to The Pleasaunce newsletter
  • Helping with administrative/clerical work
  • Organising events and activities

We will direct your enquiry to the relevant person. Non-members welcome!