A STATELY home is calling for green-fingered volunteers to get involved with maintaining one of its outdoor gems.

The walled garden of Castle Howard, between York and Malton, covers approximately ten acres and includes rose beds, vegetables and traditional flower garden.

It is looked after by the new head of gardens, Adele Hirst and gardener Julia Kirkman.

Adele is keen to encourage volunteers to get involved and to share her own knowledge.

She said: “It’s a real privilege to be able to work in the Castle Howard gardens and I hear time and again from visitors how much they would love to get involved, so it’s fantastic that we’re now able to give people this opportunity.”

Castle Howard has already welcomed its first volunteer to the garden team, Tracey Wilson, who has had an interest in gardening since childhood as a frequent visitor to the stately home always admired the borders and displays. She is due to begin a horticulture course at Askham Bryan College. Volunteering two days a week, her tasks include potting up in the greenhouse, hoeing the long borders and hand-staking the delphiniums.

She said: “I have always loved being outdoors and the Castle Howard gardens are some of the most beautiful in the area, so I’m thrilled to be able to work alongside Adele and Julia.

“It’s great to be able to pick up new skills and ideas and to hear all the lovely comments about the borders from the visitors.”

Those interested in volunteering should visit: www.castlehoward.co.uk/recruitment