19.11.2021

In the lead up to International Volunteer Day on Sunday 5 December, Bute Park is celebrating its volunteers who have been busy working hard to make the Cardiff city centre park safer and cleaner for residents and visitors.

Volunteer opportunities at the park reopened in the summer after a temporary hiatus in-line with government safety guidelines.

Since July, 53 volunteers have signed up to give back in a range of roles from bee-keeping to bulb-planting, pruning plants to park publicity and creating hanging baskets to litter picking.

To celebrate, we're sharing the stories of Bute Park volunteers each week on Cardiff Newsroom and our social media channels - just search #WorkingForCardiff and #ButeParkVolunteers

Bute Park offers a variety of volunteer opportunities including nursery, conservation sessions, front-of-house at the Visitor Centre, education events, corporate group events and litter picking.

A Day in the Life of Ginny

After almost a year of volunteering at weekends in Bute Park Nursery, three horticulture trainee posts were advertised through Cardiff Council, one of which was based at the nursery. I applied and, fortunately for me, was selected out of thirty interviewees.

I am now in my fourth and final year of training, having completed the RHS level 2 qualifications and with a Higher National Diploma in horticulture in full swing.

Working alongside our team of experienced and passionate nurserymen and women my responsibilities are very varied: From propagating vegetable plants for community projects to creating hanging baskets for the city centre displays, there is never a dull moment! I have particularly enjoyed working closely with our dedicated and brilliant volunteers and seeing their skills develop and grow through our shared interest in plants.

Propagation is a magical and exciting part of my work at Bute Park Nursery. There is always something new to learn and unusual plants to discover. I take great pride in talking to the public about the work we do here, and share plant knowledge with our customers at the Nursery Shop

Why did you choose to volunteer with Bute Park?

I enjoy being active and love being surrounded by nature. I also find it very soothing to be around plants and trees; it has become therapeutic for me to go into the nursery.

How did you hear about the role?

I didn't apply the conventional way. One day I walked into the Bute Park Education Centre and asked if there were any possibilities to volunteer with Bute Park Nurseries. Luckily they were looking for volunteers at the time and were welcoming any new ones. I got to speak to Meriel, the Bute Park Education Officer, and was soon able to meet everyone else at the Nurseries.

If you're interested in volunteering in Bute Park, contact theEducation Officer on 029 2078 8403 or email  butepark@cardiff.gov.ukor visit the website  www.bute-park.com/volunteer