Become a Green Health Volunteer
Support Green Health Activities across NHS Lothian
What our volunteers do?
Our hospital gardens and greenspaces play a vital role in patient recovery, staff wellbeing, and environmental sustainability. Because our hospital grounds cover a large area, our volunteers are essential to enhancing these spaces and keeping them thriving.
From clearing paths and nurturing ward gardens, to helping manage peaceful woodlands and wildflower meadows, our volunteers do whatever it takes to ensure our outdoor spaces remain welcoming, vibrant, and for people and wildlife.
Why volunteer with us
Giving your time doesn’t just help our hospitals and healthcare sites —it directly benefits you, too! By joining the Green Health Programme, you will:
- Make a real difference to patients, families, and NHS staff when they need it most.
- Improve your own health and wellbeing by getting active outdoors in a peaceful setting.
- Be part of a friendly team that values your skills and supports your efforts.
Current opportunities
We are currently looking for volunteers for:
- Chalmers Centre (Central Edinburgh)
- East Lothian Community Hospital (Haddington)
- Midlothian Community Hospital (Bonnyrigg)
- St John’s Hospital (Livingston)
What you will be doing:
As an Independent Garden Volunteer, you will look after a specified NHS Lothian garden or greenspace. Working within agreed boundaries, your practical hands-on tasks will include:
- Weeding, watering, and dead-heading plants.
- Keeping pathways clear of debris, cutting back overhanging vegetation, raking leaves, and clearing litter.
- Helping with the upkeep of garden paths, borders, and other structural features.
- Pruning, preparing garden beds for winter, and collecting/disposing of garden waste.
Although you will be gardening independently, you are never isolated. A named member of our team will check in with you on a monthly basis to support you, top up supplies, and discuss upcoming seasonal projects. Out-of-pocket travel expenses will be fully reimbursed in line with NHS Lothian’s Volunteer Expenses Procedure.
What skills or experience do you need?
We are looking for self-motivated individuals with a solid gardening background who can hit the ground running. We require:
- Gardening experience: Existing experience in gardening or horticulture, along with a confident familiarity using standard hand tools.
- Independence: The ability to work reliably, safely, and independently on your own initiative within set boundaries.
- Fitness & resilience: A reasonable level of fitness to carry out physical tasks and a willingness to work outdoors in various weather conditions.
Time commitment
Opportunities are typically available Monday to Friday, between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Exact time slots are flexible and will be agreed upon based on your availability. We are looking for volunteers who can make an ongoing, regular commitment to their chosen site. We understand that your hours and tasks may vary naturally with the changing seasons, but we look for a consistent baseline of support throughout the year.
Get in touch to apply now!
To join the Green Health volunteering team use our contact form to get in touch and find out more Get in touch!
What you will be doing:
As a member of the Astley Ainslie Garden Volunteer Team, you will look after specified gardens, woodlands, and pocket greenspaces across the estate. Working alongside our Nature Ranger within agreed boundaries, your practical hands-on tasks will include:
- Weeding, watering, and dead-heading plants.
- Keeping pathways clear of debris, cutting back overhanging vegetation, raking leaves, and clearing litter.
- Helping with the upkeep of garden paths, historic borders, and other structural features.
- Pruning, preparing garden beds for winter, and collecting/disposing of garden waste.
What skills or experience do you need?
We are looking for self-motivated individuals with a solid gardening background who can hit the ground running. We require:
- Gardening experience: Existing experience in gardening or horticulture is essential for this volunteer team. You should have a confident familiarity using standard hand tools and a good baseline knowledge of plant care.
- Teamwork: The ability to work reliably, safely while collaborating smoothly with our Nature Ranger and the rest of the team.
- Fitness & resilience: A reasonable level of fitness to carry out physical tasks and a willingness to work outdoors in various weather conditions.
Time commitment
Opportunities are flexible, structured as high-impact, once-a-month seasonal sessions. Exact time slots and dates will be agreed upon in advance based on team availability. While it is a flexible option perfect for those who cannot commit weekly, we look for volunteers who can maintain a regular, monthly commitment to the site throughout the seasons.
Get in touch to apply now!
To join the Green Health volunteering team use our contact form to get in touch and find out more Get in touch!
What will you be doing?
As part of a Corporate or Team Volunteering day, your group will work together to help transform and maintain therapeutic gardens, woodlands, and pocket greenspaces across our estates. Your practical, hands-on tasks may include:
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Weeding, watering, and clearing overgrown areas to revive beautiful hospital spaces.
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Keeping pathways clear of debris, cutting back overhanging vegetation, raking leaves, and clearing litter to ensure areas are safe and accessible.
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Helping with the upkeep of garden paths, raised beds, and other structural features.
What skills or experience do you need?
No previous gardening experience is required! We welcome teams of all backgrounds and abilities. We only ask for:
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Enthusiasm & Teamwork: A willingness to get stuck in, try something new, and collaborate smoothly with your colleagues to achieve a shared goal.
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Energy & Resilience: A reasonable level of fitness to carry out practical outdoor tasks and a willingness to work outside in the Scottish weather.
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Safety First: A commitment to working safely and responsibly within our agreed site boundaries.
Time commitment
Opportunities are highly flexible and designed to fit your organization’s schedule. We offer these corporate days as a one-off, high-impact volunteer day or as a series of seasonal activities spread throughout the year. Exact dates, timings, and locations will be agreed upon in advance based on your team’s availability and our current site project needs.
Get in touch to apply now!
Ready to give back with your team? Use our contact form to get in touch, find out about our upcoming project sites, and book your team day. Get in touch!
Apply to volunteer now!
If you would like to volunteer for one of the above opportunities contact us now to find out more.
