Become a Green Health Volunteer

Our Green Health Programme aims to enhance the physical and mental wellbeing of patients, visitors, families and staff through transforming outdoor spaces across NHS Lothian into thriving environments that enable the delivery of green health activities, support healing and recovery, and address climate change and biodiversity loss.

There are many benefits to volunteering and by becoming an NHS Lothian Charity: Green Health Volunteer, you will:

Make a real difference to patients and staff.
Have fun and improve your own health and wellbeing.
Be part of a friendly and supportive team.

Volunteer Opportunity: Join our seasonal greenspace volunteer group at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh (RIE)

Make a visible difference to the health and wellbeing of our patients, staff, and visitors.

Are you looking for a way to give back to the community while spending time outdoors? We are looking for up to five enthusiastic Garden Volunteers to join our Nature Ranger for a special “seasonal squad” at the RIE estate.

From enhancing our wildflower areas to improving beautiful courtyard spaces, your work will help create a healing environment for everyone at the hospital.

What you’ll be doing

Working alongside our Nature Ranger and a small, friendly team, tasks are varied and change with the seasons. They include:

· Planting, pruning, and weeding.

· Moving and lifting materials to develop new green space features.

· Enhancing biodiversity across the RIE grounds (including potential projects supporting the wider hospital campus).

The Commitment

This is a time-limited seasonal opportunity perfect for those who want to volunteer without a long-term weekly commitment. We meet on the last Tuesday afternoon of the month (excluding July).

2026 Dates:

· 28th April

· 26th May

· 30th June

· (No sessions in July)

· 25th August

· 29th September

Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Who are we looking for?

· Reliable & Active: You should be relatively fit and comfortable with physical tasks (lifting/bending).

· Nature Lovers: Some gardening knowledge and an interest in plants is preferred, but not essential.

· Team Players: You’ll be working in a small group and should be happy to collaborate with others.

What’s in it for you?

· Training: Full training provided for every task—no expert skills required!

· Wellbeing: Enjoy the proven mental health benefits of working in nature.

· Impact: See the immediate results of your work on the hospital environment.

· Expenses: We provide reimbursement for public transport travel expenses. (Please note: parking is not available at the RIE and public transport or active travel is encouraged).

Contact us to find out more.