Volunteer

Gunpowder Mills is reliant on the time, skills, knowledge and hard work given by the team of volunteers. The team works to preserve and share the site and its unique history, for the visitors and for the future.

Volunteers give their time to support our work in a variety of ways. We can arrange to meet you to discuss your interests and guide you through the wide range of volunteering opportunities. Browse the links below to find out more about a variety of roles and tasks.

Your contribution will help the charity to thrive, while giving you the opportunity to enjoy the special atmosphere of the surroundings, have the satisfaction of supporting worthwhile projects and the knowledge that you have spent your precious time wisely.

To play your part in this internationally important site, please contact volunteer@royalgunpowdermills.com

Contact our Volunteering team

  • What can you do?

    We are seeking help to care for our fascinating and beautiful Gunpowder Mills. 

    Why not join one of our regular teams, such as:

    Maintenance Task Force – share your DIY skills and help with various tasks and projects. 

    Nature Conservation -  if you fancy coppicing trees, trimming brambles or building natural fences, this is a great way to support the wilder elements of the site and enjoy the natural surroundings.

    Grounds Work - Help keep the grounds accessible, safe and looking good.

    Railway Crew – repairing the track, driving the train, maintaining the rolling stock and track

    Or assist our visitors in getting the most from their time here.

    Tours - Guide or drive for our Tractor Trailer Tours of the site.

    Stewarding - Welcoming visitors and helping them find their way, or staffing one of the exhibitions such as the Armoury or  the Rocket Vault or assisting with Family Activities

    Cafe & Shop -helping to serve visitors and help them have a fantastic experience in the cafe or shop

    There are many more volunteering opportunities and tasks including:

    Admin support

    Marketing and communications

    Assisting with education visits

    Vehicle Maintenance

  • As a volunteer you’ll get to:

    • Be part of a friendly and hands-on team to build your confidence

    • Gain valuable experience in the heritage sector

    • Build transferable competencies including cash handling, public-facing skills, health & safety, administrative skills, etc.

    • Meet other people with the same interests as you

  • We’re looking for people who are passionate about heritage and nature, enjoy working with other people, aren’t afraid of taking on responsibility and are open to learning and following direction.

    We don’t require any previous experience. We train all our volunteers before they begin their roles, and on an ongoing basis as needed.

  • Commitment

    Volunteers will be available for a least one shift per week.

    Hours

    The site opens to the public 11am – 4pm, on weekends with Front of House volunteers arriving at 10am to help open the site. Other roles are undertaken during weekendays from 10am - 4pm.

    You can volunteer for a full day, a half day, Thursday late openings, or evening events. You can offer your time to suit your own schedule.

    Benefits

    You will be reimbursed travel and subsistence expenses up to £13 per day, in line with our policy.

  • Get in touch using the green button above, or email Liz.went@royalgunpowdermills.com to request a form to complete and send back.