The Blickling Estate has received backlash over its recently advertised voluntary role, with people insisting it should be paid. 

The National Trust-run estate, near Aylsham, is looking for a garden mowing and machinery volunteer.

The person recruited for the unpaid role would be required to "help look after Blickling's 55-acre Grade 2-listed garden". 

The garden maintenance position would include the use of pedestrian and ride-on mowers, strimmers, leaf blowers and hedge cutters.

In response, the National Trust has said that its voluntary roles supplement instead of replace the work of paid staff. 

Eastern Daily Press: The advert for the voluntary role at the Blickling Estate The advert for the voluntary role at the Blickling Estate (Image: Blickling Estate/Twitter)

The job description said that training will be provided and travel costs covered. 

However, many people have criticised the National Trust for the fact it is unpaid. 

On Facebook, Denise Ryder called it "outrageous" and Jonathan Kemp posted: "Volunteer? Really? That's a professional job."

He added: "Why not create apprentice roles and jobs for the local community?" 

Jackie Rivett said: "Seriously? A volunteer? No-one in their right mind under retirement is going to apply!"

Eastern Daily Press: The lake at the Blickling Estate, near AylshamThe lake at the Blickling Estate, near Aylsham (Image: Denise Bradley/Archant 2022)

Kenny Higgs tweeted: "Absolute disgrace. The most annoying part is they'll have people queueing around the block.

"How are grounds care professionals meant to make a living all the time people are encouraged to do it for free?"

A National Trust spokesman said: "As a charity, volunteers support us in all aspects of our work, and we value their support and contribution.

Eastern Daily Press: The gardens at the Blickling EstateThe gardens at the Blickling Estate (Image: © ARCHANT NORFOLK 2012)

"We design volunteer roles so that they supplement, not replace the work of our paid staff.

"Volunteering is a different arrangement between our charity and the people who give us their time for free and we have the utmost respect for that difference.”

The Blickling Estate is home to a Jacobean mansion with 55 acres of formal gardens, featuring ancient yews, a lake and a kitchen garden, and it is the result of three centuries of planting.