The Gatton Trust: Building Community Through Volunteering
In June 2024, The Gatton Trust received a grant from the Community Foundation for Surrey to help fund the salary of a Volunteer Coordinator — a role that has proven transformative for both the charity and the community it serves.
The Gatton Trust is responsible for restoring and maintaining the 250 acres of ‘Capability’ Brown-designed landscape at Gatton Park, Reigate. The charity uses the park as a community and educational resource, hosting school visits, Forest School activities, family days, and workshops throughout the year. It also runs monthly craft sessions for older people and specialist workshops for adults, welcoming visitors of all ages. Despite the breadth of its activities, the Trust operates with a small staff team supported by more than 130 dedicated volunteers.
Impact of the Grant
The funding has had a significant impact, enhancing volunteer engagement and strengthening the charity’s connection with the local community. By improving coordination across its diverse range of groups and activities, the Trust has created a vibrant and inclusive environment that brings people together across generations and abilities.
The grant allowed for the recruitment of new volunteers and provided better support for existing ones. This has led to a marked increase in volunteer hours and, in turn, the capacity of the Trust to deliver community programmes and maintain the park.
In recognition of these achievements, The Gatton Trust was honoured with the Mayor of Reigate and Banstead’s Team Volunteer Award for the third time — a testament to the dedication and contribution of its volunteers.
Social events such as volunteer barbecues, Christmas parties, and outings organised by the Coordinator have played an important role in building community spirit and nurturing friendships among volunteers. The team also hosted 22 private group visits during the year, welcoming organisations including Horley U3A, Mums Club, Reigate Business Guild, and the Dorking Art Group — strengthening community connections and raising awareness of the Trust’s work.
The charity’s corporate volunteering programme has also expanded, with 344 volunteer hours contributed by local businesses. The additional administrative capacity provided by the Volunteer Coordinator has ensured consistent communication and engagement with corporate partners, allowing these projects to grow in both scale and impact.
Expanding Volunteer Involvement
With 136 active volunteers now supporting the charity, The Gatton Trust has been able to broaden its activities and increase community participation. Volunteers now play a vital role across educational sessions, wellbeing initiatives, public events, and creative workshops — supporting everything from school visits and Forest School activities to dementia-friendly groups, craft sessions, and the annual Gatton Country Fair. They contribute in many ways — from welcoming visitors and guiding tours to helping with photography, gardening, and event logistics — ensuring that every visitor enjoys a warm and memorable experience at Gatton Park.
““The funding has been crucial in enabling us to retain our Volunteer Coordinator, who serves as the primary point of contact for all volunteer engagement. This role has greatly improved both the recruitment and retention of volunteers by ensuring they feel supported, informed, and valued.”
“Ongoing, strong communication with volunteers has led to higher satisfaction and commitment, which in turn has allowed us to increase our reach and impact across the community. This volunteer support has truly strengthened the backbone of our charity’s operations.” ”
Volunteer Stories
One of the Trust’s most powerful stories comes from a volunteer who first visited Gatton Park with an external group. At the time, she was feeling extremely isolated and disconnected. After meeting the team, she decided to get involved more fully, joining both gardening and crafting sessions. Over time, she has built meaningful relationships with other volunteers and having the opportunity to contribute, connect, and belong has made a profound difference in her life.
The Volunteer Coordinator plays a vital role in fostering this supportive environment — checking in with volunteers when they are absent and ensuring everyone feels cared for. This sense of community and compassion has become central to the Gatton experience.
Another volunteer joined shortly before suffering a stroke. Concerned that his reduced mobility would prevent him from participating, he was supported by the Coordinator to take on an office-based crafting role. This has not only aided his recovery but kept him actively involved in the work he values.
Similarly, a volunteer with a passion for floristry has been encouraged to lead a new floral arranging group — a role that gives her purpose while helping others learn and connect.
A Stronger Community
The grant from CFSurrey has enabled The Gatton Trust to expand its volunteer base, improve the volunteering experience, and deepen community engagement. With the dedication of its staff, the passion of its volunteers, and the support of its funders, Gatton Park continues to thrive as a space for wellbeing, learning, and connection — a true community cornerstone in the heart of Surrey.