Why I Started Volunteering

Why I Started Volunteering

If you’d told me a few years ago that a pair of gardening gloves and a Victorian Walled Kitchen Garden would become one of the highlights of my week, I’m not sure I’d have believed you. Yet here we are — a few months into volunteering, and I’m genuinely wondering why I didn’t start sooner.

After retiring, I found myself itching for something meaningful — something that wasn’t just “filling time” but actually added value, both to my life and the community. I wanted to do something different from what I’d done before; something outdoors, practical, and ideally involving fewer emails and far more fresh air.

I’d admired the Victorian Walled Garden from afar for years. Watching it transform season by season, lovingly restored by dedicated hands, felt like witnessing a quiet miracle. So when I spotted a call for volunteers earlier in the year, it felt like the universe was giving me a friendly shove. And I’m glad it did.

The Best Part? The People.

Volunteering is supposed to be about the work, but let’s be honest — the company is half the joy. Whether we’re weeding side by side, swapping stories over a patch of stubborn weeds (and often are!) , or sharing slices of cake at an event, there’s a genuine sense of belonging. It’s warm, welcoming, and refreshingly free of the usual rush of life.

Learning, Laughing, and Getting Stuck In

Of course, it’s not all cake (sadly). There’s a fair amount of soil under the nails, mud on the boots, and moments of “is this weed actually a weed?” But that’s half the fun. I’ve learned new skills, gained confidence, and discovered that I actually love the physical, outdoorsy rhythm of it all.

And best of all? You can physically see the difference a few hours make. Something about that feels incredibly grounding — like you’re contributing to something alive, something shared.

A Sense of Purpose I Didn’t Know I Needed

Volunteering has become more than just a pastime — it’s become a place where I feel connected, useful, and energised. It’s brought new people into my life, new routines, and a renewed sense of purpose.

If you’ve ever wondered about volunteering — go for it. Truly. You don’t need heaps of time or expertise. Just a willingness to help and to be part of something bigger than yourself. A few hours a week can add more joy, meaning, and community to your life than you might expect.

And honestly? I’m proud to be part of this team helping the garden thrive. It’s growing beautifully — and so, in a way, am I.