Wakehurst Place, Kew's country garden near Ardingly, in West Sussex, attracts more than 360,000 visitors every year to its 500-acre site.

It relies on volunteers to get involved in anything from meeting teachers and school children to leading tours.

Education manager Christine Newton said several people had moved away and had to be replaced before the new season.

Next year is the Year of the Volunteer, and Wakehurst Place is hoping local people will enter into the spirit.

Ms Newton said there were many benefits in becoming volunteers.

"Apart from knowing that you are helping one of the world's top conservation organisations, our volunteers have free entry to both Kew and Wakehurst, discounts in the restaurants and shops, and access to many behind the scenes facilities, including the botanic libraries," she said.