Education

At Castlebank Horticultural Centre, we strive to promote the principles of inclusivity for all, respect for the environment and all living things within it, expanding our knowledge about the natural world and promoting the physical and mental health benefits of adopting a balanced lifestyle through engagement with the natural world around us.

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering opportunities are available at Castlebank Horticultural Centre on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 9.30am – 3pm. Volunteers undertake a wide variety of community gardening and growing activities. Volunteering outdoors is widely recognised as being beneficial for both mental and physical health. Volunteering with us can develop practical and soft skills. It can also contribute towards John Muir Award, Saltire Award and Duke of Edinburgh Awards.

For more information on volunteering opportunities, please visit the Volunteering page here.

Educational Group Visits

Castlebank Horticultural Centre can facilitate full day or half day visit from a variety of educational establishments. The learning programme can be tailored to suit current topics or areas of study, from biology and geography to environmental science. We have an MSc & BSc qualified and PVG certified Educational Gardener based full-time at the centre to work with educational groups. Please contact us for up to date visit prices and information.

Tailored Group Training Courses

We can design and deliver a variety of tailored training courses, bespoke to your group or organisation’s needs. A wide range of horticultural & environmental topics and activities can be covered, starting at beginner level practical skills, right up to advanced theoretical horticultural knowledge. We would be happy to put together a proposed course schedule for you. Please get in touch so we can discuss your group’s needs.

Volunteer Student Placements

Castlebank Horticultural Centre can support volunteer student placements throughout the year. Students will enhance their CV through working directly with the Educational Gardener and wider volunteer group to gain a wide range of practical skills, horticultural knowledge and soft skills such as communication, team working, listening and following instructions.

Workshops & Training Days

We can design and deliver a range of workshops and training days on a variety of horticultural and environmental topics, such as: Food growing, Biodiveristy, Plant Identification, Organic gardening, Insect Identification, Composting, Managing the environment for wildlife, Wildflowers, Native tree identification and reducing our impact on the environment

What You Will Need

Learning will mostly take place outdoors. You should come ready for all types of Scottish weather.

Warm and waterproof suitable outdoor clothing/footwear
Sun hats & sun cream for hot weather
Packed lunch and snacks / Refillable water bottle
Any required medication

Location & Parking

The centre is located within Castlebank Park in the town of Lanark, around 50 minutes from Glasgow and Edinburgh. Limited accessible parking is available directly outside the centre, or there is a large car & coach car park within the park’s grounds, a short walk away from the centre.

Bookings

Please contact us to make a booking or to discuss your requirements. A booking agreement is signed by both parties to secure the booking. Bookings are payable by invoice, due 30 days after the visit date. Payment options include cash, BACS and cheque.