Most volunteers visit on Thursdays (10 am - 4 pm), when the Institute becomes a hive of
activity.
Education
We have a developing programme of education for schools - early years and primary. These sessions take place on Tuesday, Wednesday or Friday. If you are interested in assisting, please contact Sue Amos at sue@slbi.org.uk
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Herbarium
Volunteers assist the Curator in maintenance
tasks which include tidying up existing herbarium sheets and the weekly task
of freezing specimens to prevent insect infestation and damage. The historic
nature of the herbarium and its arrangement provides additional interest when
incorporating recently donated specimens and naturalised alien species.
Library
Volunteers assist the Librarian in a variety of tasks, among which
is the re-siting of certain subject sections to reflect changing interests
and new acquisitions. This also requires the updating of the author catalogue
and shelf placement numbers.
Garden
The garden provides opportunities for volunteers to be involved in
the care of many rare and unusual plants. Tasks range form the practical -
pruning, propagation and maintenance, to the more academic - creation and
upkeep of garden records and information leaflets.
All plants are labelled and most volunteers widen their knowledge
through working with species new to them. Members and volunteers collect seeds
for the annual seed exchange and also propagate plants for the sale in May.
Other Events
The Institute runs a busy programme of
events throughout the year which depends on the help of volunteers to ensure
its success. Opportunities for involvement range from manning a stand at a
show to giving horticultural advice at the annual plant sale.
