Growing Matters is currently completely run by volunteers. We are all enthusiastic amateurs (with varied backgrounds and available time), with a passion to see this wonderful garden develop and evolve to realise its potential, whilst learning skills, maintaining what we have created so far, and very much enjoying the process and environs as we go along.

Get Involved

Do you enjoy being outdoors? Would you like to be part of a small but ever-growing charitable enterprise that is full of potential? If so, we would love to welcome you to join our friendly team of volunteers who meet twice weekly to work in the garden, catch up, learn and be inspired.

We are looking for individuals who would like to come and help with this rewarding project, and to share the benefits that volunteering can bring about through gardening in a beautiful environment and a relaxed community atmosphere. Volunteering in the garden can be as sociable or peaceful as you choose. There is always the potential to strike up lasting friendships with fellow gardeners, with plenty of space and options for a bit of ‘me time’.

Volunteer at Growing Matters

No previous gardening experience is required and there is no obligation to be involved in particular tasks; all you’ll need are a stout pair of boots, a willingness to learn or share your skills, and the desire to get stuck in and enjoy some peaceful gardening in the East Lothian countryside.

Some of the activities you might enjoy are:

  • Planting and growing fruit, vegetables and flowers

  • Plant propagation through seeds and cuttings

  • Digging, weeding, hoeing and, occasionally watering

  • Cutting grass or strimming

  • Sharing your knowledge with others

  • Discovering biodiversity in the garden

  • Designing and laying out planted areas

  • Garden crafts such as willow weaving or bee keeping

  • Woodworking and joinery

  • Helping to build structures, lay paths, or build fences

  • Enjoying tea, coffee, cake and chat with other volunteers 

  • Helping out at garden open days and other promotions

We also have non-gardening opportunities, such as liaising with outlets for garden produce, researching new ventures and opportunities for garden development, websites, leaflets, posters, etc.

If you would like to find out more about visiting the garden, becoming a volunteer, coming along for a taster session, or discussing your personal circumstances with a member of our steering group, please get in touch. We are also happy to be contacted about anybody who could help us to advertise in their workplace or event.

Volunteering Sessions

Mondays at 10am – 1pm 

Thursdays at 1pm – 4pm 

Volunteers can come as often as they like, and nobody is obliged to stay for the whole session – take your time at your own pace and do as much or as little as you feel capable of. Every little you can do in the garden makes a huge difference, and all volunteers are valued equally, no matter how many hours in a day, week or month you feel able to contribute.

Unfortunately, we do not allow dogs at volunteer sessions.

Please note, the garden is closed from mid-December until the end of January, and occasionally volunteer sessions are cancelled due to bad weather or holidays. Please check the website for any updates or drop us an email to make sure sessions are still running.