RNLI Open Gardens guide
Your guide to taking part in or running an RNLI Open Garden. Discover what you'll need and where to find it, and be inspired by people who’ve run their own Open Gardens.
What’s an Open Garden?
An Open Garden is a volunteer-led fundraising event where you open your garden to the public in exchange for a donation. You can invite people to view your flowers and plants, and perhaps put on some activities too like a cake sale, barbecue, or treasure hunt for the kids to help increase the amount you raise.
Be a homegrown hero – open your garden and raise funds for RNLI lifesavers
Your garden doesn’t have to be huge. It could be a leafy courtyard or picturesque patio. What matters is that just by taking part you’ll become an RNLI lifesaver alongside other supporters and volunteers, all helping to save lives at sea.
All money raised will help our crews and lifeguards to be prepped and ready to race to the rescue. In 2022 RNLI lifeboat crews were called out 3,838 times, saving 140 lives, and with staycations continuing to increase in popularity, we need your help more than ever.
What you do is up to you. Tempt them with a cream tea. Lay on some homemade lemonade. Or put on a picnic, feel the grass between your toes and enjoy a much-needed catch-up. Whatever you do, you’ll be a homegrown hero.
Event planning essentials
Here you'll find help for planning your RNLI Open Gardens event. From guidance on gazebos and food, to safeguarding and risk assessments, you'll find all your Open Gardens event planning resources here.
Please let your branch or group-designated event volunteer know if you're planning a fundraising event or activity. They can register it and make sure you get the support you need.
For general event planning guidance, you can visit our RNLI event planning resources page.
Tailored materials at your fingertips
On the MyStore site, you'll find all the specially branded materials you need to promote your RNLI Open Garden and bring your event to life – including posters, flyers, banners, invitations, cake toppers and a Where's Welly treasure hunt activity.
If you don't have a log-in, please get in touch with the Volunteer Experience Team to find out how best to place an order in your area.
Are you ready to be a homegrown hero?
Whether you’re showing off your horticultural handiwork, putting on a plant sale, or gathering with friends – using the resources above to plan and promote your RNLI Open Garden will set you up for a fun day supporting our brave lifesavers.
Keep things simple with contactless payments
Take quick and easy card payments using a contactless payment unit. Make it effortless for your donors to give generously, and future-proof your fundraising efforts in a cashless society. For more information, please contact your community manager. Use the resources below to help you most the most of contactless payment units at your station event.
Contactless payment unit guide for volunteers - PDF 377KB
Contactless payment FAQ for branches - PDF 173KB
We're here to help
For queries about event materials, contact your community manager or email the Volunteer Experience Team at [email protected]. If you need help with MyStore or placing orders, please call 0300 300 9913 (UK) or 01 511 9835 (Ireland).