Wayward Plants is seeking founding trustees to help guide the next chapter of a pioneering creative reuse initiative.
Wayward Plants, an initiative by the design practice Wayward, is a circular economy project that addresses two linked challenges: the growing volume of landscape waste generated by the construction and horticultural industries, and the nature gap - the unequal access to green space experienced by underserved communities across London. We respond to both through the rescue and redistribution of plants, trees and landscape materials to a network of nearly 2,000 community groups and schools across the city.
Over the past two decades, this work has grown organically through Wayward’s wider practice - from early plant adoption events to a long-standing partnership with the RHS, where for the past decade we have run a large-scale reuse initiative across their major shows. To date, we have rehomed more than 100,000 plants and trees to our network of nearly 2,000 community and school gardens across London, diverting more than 500 tonnes of waste from landfill. What began as a small, hands-on effort has evolved into a significant city-wide infrastructure for reuse, with increasing relevance to both environmental and social agendas.
In 2026, as we mark 20 years of plant adoption events and 10 years as the RHS’s official reuse partner, we are establishing Wayward Plants as an independent registered charity. Alongside this, we are launching the Wayward Plants Reuse Centre at Cultivate Colindale in North London - a new base for redistribution, growing, learning and public engagement.
This is a rare opportunity to join as a founding trustee at a formative moment, helping to shape the organisation’s direction, governance and long-term impact.
The role
Trustees will play a strategic role in supporting the organisation to grow with clarity, ambition and care. Working alongside the founding team, trustees will help to:
- Provide oversight and guidance on strategy, governance and organisational development
- Support the transition to a new charitable structure and ensure strong foundations are in place
- Champion the work of Wayward Plants and help expand its network of partners and supporters
- Contribute insight from your own area of expertise to strengthen decision-making
- We anticipate quarterly board meetings, with occasional additional input during this early phase
Who we are looking for
We are seeking a small, thoughtful group of trustees who bring a mix of experience, curiosity and commitment. You do not need prior trustee experience.
We are particularly interested in individuals with experience in areas such as charity governance, fundraising, finance, legal frameworks, communications, cultural programming, horticulture, landscape, or community engagement.
We would also value trustees who can help extend the reach of Wayward Plants - whether through connections to industry, cultural or civic networks, experience of fundraising and philanthropy, or knowledge of circular economy practices. At this stage, the ability to open doors, build relationships and support the organisation’s long-term sustainability will be especially important.
Equally important is a shared belief in the value of reuse, creativity, and more equitable access to nature.
What we offer
The opportunity to shape an ambitious and growing organisation at an early stage, contributing to a model that connects environmental responsibility with social impact.
You will be part of a collaborative and creative team working at the intersection of design, culture and community, where ideas are tested through making and doing as much as strategy. Our work is rooted at Cultivate Colindale - a new 4,000 sqm green space in North London that brings together gardens, growing, creative reuse and public programmes. It is an open, social and hands-on place, where people come together to build, learn and share.
This is not a distant or purely advisory role. Our work is active and grounded in real places, and we are looking for trustees who are interested in being part of that energy as it grows.
This is a voluntary role. Reasonable expenses can be reimbursed.
To express interest
Please send a short expression of interest to hello@waywardplants.org (no more than 1–2 pages) outlining:
- your background and current work
- why you are interested in Wayward Plants at this stage
- any experience or perspective you would bring as a trustee
You are very welcome to include a CV or LinkedIn profile, but this is not required.
Please send expressions of interest by 18 April 2026.