Volunteering

Would you like to spend quality time with a friendly bunch of people in beautiful Eskdale valley?

Do you want to learn new skills?

Do you have skills you’d like to use with us?

Do you want to get involved in a unique rural charity project?

Can you spare 1-2 days per fortnight?

If so, we need your help!

What we’re looking for:

• People who are willing to learn new skills
• People willing to work in a team with people of all ages and backgrounds.
• People who would enjoy spending quality time in a historic and rural setting.
  
• People who are able to communicate effectively with others.

Volunteer Roles

Visitor stewards, receptionists and waterwheel operatives are needed to support our visitor services here at Eskdale Mill.

We also require practical help within the gardens and grounds and people to support our buildings, exhibition, historical collections, hydro-electric project and mill machinery maintenance programme.

Role descriptions

We require more mill attendants to be on hand to provide support to visitors as and when they require help or have questions. An interest in local history and an ability to remember information is important as well as a friendly and enthusiastic demeanour.

Numeracy, public interface, visitor management and till skills are needed for the reception area but training will be given.

The mill operative is an active role and requires patience, good observational skills, good health and safety consideration and practical know-how, although all training will be provided.

Gardeners and grounds maintenance workers require a good sense of safe working, practical ability and a willingness to learn new skills. Plant and wildlife identification skills are really useful but all training will be provided.

Buildings and waterwheel machinery maintenance workers are required to help keep everything running smoothly. DIY skills and practical know-how are required but training will be provided, particularly hydro-electric mechanical engineering, heritage conservation and millwright techniques.

Artefact maintenance is required to keep our historical display collections in good condition. This is generally carried out during the closed season. All persons involved with this will be appropriately trained so correct techniques are adhered to. Updating maintenance records is also involved with this role.

Admin and social media roles are also available. Please discuss further with our Mill Manager before applying.

Benefits of volunteering with us

• You will find volunteering with us to be a rewarding experience working within a small historical complex and idyllic grounds dating back to the 1500’s.
• You will make our visitors’ experience that extra bit special and help to keep our wheels running smoothly.
• You will get to carry out a range of transferable skills and gain valuable experience whilst working as part of a friendly team.
• You will gain opportunities to develop existing skills and receive further relevant training.
• You will gain confidence and improve your own mental and physical health
• You can further your own career prospects and/or ambitions whilst helping to support a special facility that couldn’t operate without volunteer help.
• Formal training is provided for those that seek long term positions with us and can commit to regular days throughout the year.
• Travel support is provided alongside necessary personal protection, refreshments, tools and equipment. 

Practical considerations

We can provide a free minibus service from/to Seascale and Gosforth. We can cover joint ticket train costs from within south and west Cumbria. Travel expenses are provided for personal car journeys. Car parking is limited in the small village of Boot but it is possible. The village car park at Dalegarth station has a pay & display ticket system which we will reimburse you for.

All support, training and PPE will be provided.

Kitchen facilites to make hot drinks and snacks are available

Toilet facilities are available.

Historical building and grounds throughout so wheelchair access is limited but possible in the reception area.

For the mill operation, buildings and grounds maintenance, physical capability is essential.

Next Steps

If interested, please contact Kate Hughes on 01946723335 or volunteers@eskdalemill.co.uk to discuss further.

To apply – complete our registration form here . You can email it or send by post.

View our volunteer poster here.

View our work experience poster here.

About Eskdale Mill & Heritage Trust

Eskdale Mill & Heritage Trust (EMHT), a small heritage charity was formed in 2006 by local people who wanted to preserve the mill as a historic building open to the public. The charity is dedicated to the continued operation of the mill as part of its preservation and development for public benefit, and to promotion of the history, heritage, geography and geology of Eskdale so as to increase their understanding of the built and natural environment.

It is a UK registered company, limited by guarantee – no. 05743618

And UK registered charity – no. 1113837