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 Team – 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.

    Family Activities- Help run the fun and educational activities on offer, like making and firing a rocket.

    Cafe - Prepare and serve drinks snacks and lunches for our visitors in the Grade ll listed heritage building.

    Ticket Desk & Shop - Welcome the visitors, process their tickets and sell the themed shop items.

    Mini Railway Crew - Work as part of the team running the railway giving rides to the visitors.

    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 team

    • Gain valuable experience in the heritage sector

    • Increase your skills, knowledge and experience

    • Have satisfaction in doing something worthwhile.

    • Make a difference to this charity for the community and the future

    • Enjoy the atmosphere of the site and learn about its’ amazing story

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

    We don’t require any previous experience. Relevant training is available to volunteers before they begin their roles, and on an ongoing basis as needed.

  • Commitment

    Volunteers need to be able to give enough time to be of use withing their chosen role(s). This may mean a regular once a week commitment or being available to help fill rota spaces for open days. It is essential that volunteers give as much notice as possible if they cannot volunteer as arranged.

    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 week days from 9.30am - 4pm.

    Benefits

    Travel and subsistence expenses are available, and must be agreed in advance.

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

    The email address is checked Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, so please be patient for a reply.

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