Castle Howard Arboretum is ready to reopen for new season (From Gazette & Herald)

Castle Howard Arboretum is ready to reopen for new season

10:39am Wednesday 27th February 2013 in News

THE Castle Howard Arboretum is re-opening on Friday and organisers have issued an appeal for more volunteers to come forward and help to run it.

Commercial manager Anna Porter said it has been a busy winter with plenty of administrative and curatorial projects undertaken.

She said: “We are looking forward to welcoming visitors back to see the fruits of our labours and several “works in progress”.

The season runs from March to November each year and the trust is reliant on the generosity of volunteers to ensure that it can offer a warm welcome to visitors.

Anna said: “We have a wonderful team of visitor centre volunteers who welcome visitors, explain how to make the most of a visit to the arboretum, and sell tickets, memberships and merchandise.

“These volunteers are the smiling faces of the arboretum and are a key part of making each visitor’s visit a good one.” There is no minimum, or maximum, amount of time commitment required.

She said: “Some of our volunteers donate a day a week, some a couple of days a month, some a few days a year.

“All are hugely appreciated as, together, they make it possible for this glorious place to remain open to the public.

“We’re particularly keen to find volunteers who would be available on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, but if people are available only on other days they will still be warmly welcomed and full training would be given on all aspects of the role.”

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, phone 01653 648598.