Everything at University of Dundee Botanic Garden is rosy – except for their growing need for volunteers.
Gordon Ramsay, development officer for the garden’s endowment trust, explains why volunteers are a vital part of the attraction’s success: “Volunteers are an integral part of the garden who enhance and support the day to day running,” he explains.
“They support the full time staff, assisting with the everyday jobs that need done from weeding, pruning, leaf collecting and general maintenance that includes ensuring the car park is always neat and tidy.”
Today it’s hard to believe that the garden started life as a hay field with one sycamore tree in it.
“The Botanic Garden was founded in 1971 and that original sycamore is still in place, but the garden has grown by a third and there are now more than 5,500 different species of plants,” says Gordon.
“It acts as a green corridor connecting the rural outskirts of Dundee with the urban town centre,” he continues.
And because of the geographical layout of the plants, visitors can take a walk from the Highlands to the seashore, from the Mediterranean to Asia.
Around 25 volunteers currently help in the garden, on reception, with photography or assisting with day to day office and administration duties.
“Many volunteers come and go, and there is always space for more,” says Gordon.
“There is also a specific need for a volunteer co-ordinator to assist with the rotas and communication, so we’d be happy to hear from anyone who would like more information. “
“Being a volunteer offers camaraderie, the reward of feeling useful, the social interaction and a sense of belonging that, for many, makes the garden a special place,” he smiles.
To apply to be a volunteer, complete the online form
To make a donation to the garden call Gordon Ramsay on 01382 381136 or donate online
The garden’s next event is Apple Day on October 26, 11am-3pm, celebrating the autumn fruit harvests.
Did you know…?
It has been said that an ounce of Lobelia seeds is more expensive than an ounce of gold
There are only around 3,000 botanic gardens in the world making Dundee privileged
There are approximately 400,000 species of plants in the world
It is estimated that one in five plant species are threatened with extinction.
Plants have a unique ability to adapt and grow successfully in their natural environment.
An oak tree can be home to hundreds of species of insect and fungi
Around 250 million people visit botanic gardens throughout the world every year.
90% of the food humans eat come from just 30 plants.
Fossilised tree resin is known as amber and sometimes contains plant material or small animals.
Some types of bamboo can grow almost a metre in one day.
Poison ivy produces a skin irritant called urushiol.
