The Mathers Foundation - Volunteering Day 25 September 2026

A unique opportunity to volunteer at The Mathers Foundation orchid conservation charity for a day in Pulborough, West Sussex A unique opportunity to volunteer at an award winning orchid conservation charity. We need volunteers to help us weeding and also cataloguing our collection of orchid books and prints. This is a great chance to be part of our friendly team and help us conserving and managing both plants and books! Located in Pulborough, West Sussex, The Mathers Foundation was established in 2019 to preserve and develop substantial collections of orchid species and hybrids, supporting both ex situ and in situ conservation. It holds six National Plant Collection including Oncidiums (accredited with Scientific Status) with over 1,000 different species and hybrids; Ian Butterfields' unique Pleione collection; the Hartley collections of Stanhopeas, and Bulbophyllums; the Oakeley collection of Anguloas together with a substantial collection of Cymbidiums and Masdevallias. FAQ: • Tickets: Over 18s only but all abilities welcome. • Equipment and clothing - dress appropriately for the weather (it can be hot) and wear sensible shoes as floors can be slippy. • Provisions. Do bring a packed lunch and water bottle for a lunch break at 1pm. Drinks will be provided and a sweet treat! Make friends, learn new skills and enjoy lunch and orchid chat with the experts. All tools provided. We hope this will be an enjoyable opportunity for people to contribute to the care of the collections while meeting others with an interest in conservation. If you are a new volunteer and would like to learn more before getting involved, please get in touch with Gill ahead of the event [email protected]. RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY Places are limited, so please register in advance. If you can't attend. let us know so another volunteer can join. Follow us on Instagram Follow us on Facebook Photos copyright: Gill Mathers and Paul Upward photography