Learn and grow

Find what fits

Volunteering is one of the most rewarding ways to explore which aspects of working outdoors might suit you best. You can spend time at some well-known organisations – the National Trust and the RHS welcome support at their various sites, as does Chelsea Physic Garden in London. Or look for community gardening projects across the country; one example is community food growing network Incredible Edible, which has more than 150 groups in the UK. Trusts, charities and organisations such as the Wildlife Trusts, Forestry and Land Scotland and the RSPB are often looking for help with conservation projects.

A short online course is another excellent way of dipping in a toe without too much commitment. is a great hub that might help you work out your area of interest, with real life and virtual workshops and webinars led by experts on everything from garden photography to, where you can book floristry classes led by the likes of Shane Connolly and gardening with Tom Stuart-Smith.