Queen Elizabeth has appealed for volunteers to weed her Sandringham estate in Norfolk.
An email has been sent to people who have membership to the country abode to give them the opportunity to get hands-on at the estate by working alongside staff gardeners on “vital” tasks in the grounds, as well as furthering their own knowledge of the outdoors.
The volunteers will apparently be given tuition but are asked to bring their own gloves, sun cream, insect repellent as well as a water bottle.
The email said: “We would like to invite 20 of you, our members, to participate in the first of our volunteering days.
“The gardening team at Sandringham would like to invite anyone with an interest in gardening to a hands-on volunteer day. You’ll learn a little bit about weed identification, followed by methods to use for the management of plants growing in the wrong place.
“The day is designed to be interactive with a chance for you to help and be involved in vital work that’s needed to care for the spectacular landscape at Sandringham.”
The first volunteers will get started on 25 June and must be available to stay from 9am to 3.30pm. They’ll be given specialist tuition at the start of the day, before being divided into smaller working parties and given their own tasks.
Meanwhile, the Sandringham Estate is also seeking a full-time gardener.
The estate’s website has a job description which reads: “The Royal Gardens team at Sandringham are looking to recruit an enthusiastic hands-on Gardener with a good understanding of horticultural principles and organic practises, working as part of an established team on a number of exciting projects being undertaken within the Sandringham Estate.
“The successful candidate will have a minimum two years’ relevant experience and possess broad plant knowledge. Experience in operating and maintaining horticultural machinery is desirable.
“As a physically demanding, outdoor role, you will be expected to work in variable weather conditions.
“This is an exciting opportunity for an individual looking to develop their horticultural career in a prestigious, historic garden.”
Applicants are asked to send a CV and cover letter and the closing date to apply is 9 June.