Become a Green Health Volunteer
Support Green Health Activities across NHS Lothian
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.
Our gardens and greenspaces play a vital role in supporting patient recovery, enhancing staff wellbeing, and delivering our biodiversity goals across NHS Lothian. Because our estates cover a large area, we are looking for experienced gardeners who want to give back to their local community by sharing their skills. Your practical expertise will help us enhance these therapeutic spaces so they remain welcoming, vibrant, and safe for everyone.
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.
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.
Support, Training and Expenses
· Monthly Check-ins: 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.
· Induction: You will receive a local site induction covering aspects of the role, health and safety, and hospital infection control guidelines.
· Expenses: Out-of-pocket travel expenses will be fully reimbursed in line with NHS Lothian’s Volunteer Expenses Procedure.
What happens next?
To maintain the safety of our hospital community, all NHS Lothian volunteers undergo a structured onboarding process that typically takes about a month and a half to complete.
1. Enquiry & Site Visit: After you register your interest and confirm your preferred site, we will invite you for an initial informal site visit to view the greenspace and discuss the role.
2. Application: Following the site visit we will send you the formal application form to complete.
3. Interview: You will be invited to a semi-formal interview with the Green Health Team.
4. Checks & Training: Applicants will undergo standard Disclosure Scotland clearance checks and complete mandatory NHS Lothian volunteer training modules.
We are looking for volunteers for:
· Chalmers Centre (Central Edinburgh)
· East Lothian Community Hospital (Haddington)
· Midlothian Community Hospital (Bonnyrigg)
· St John’s Hospital (Livingston)
Our gardens and greenspaces play a vital role in supporting patient recovery, enhancing staff wellbeing, and delivering our biodiversity goals across NHS Lothian. Because our historic Astley Ainslie estate covers a large and unique landscape, we are looking for experienced gardeners who want to give back to their local community by sharing their skills. Your practical expertise will help us enhance these therapeutic spaces so they remain welcoming, vibrant, and safe for everyone.
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.
Corporate/Team Volunteers
Give back with your team!
Volunteer with our Green Health Programme and help us create thriving hospital gardens and greenspaces. Participate in short-term projects with your team to achieve a common goal.
Get in contact with our Community and Events Fundraiser for upcoming opportunities.
Keep up to date
If you would like to keep up to date with what’s happening across our Green Health Programme, including activities and opportunities, sign up for our newsletter.