The HBGBS aims to address the dwindling pool of skilled staff in the historic gardens and landscape sector by offering full-time paid work placements in historic gardens.

The scheme, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), is led by English Heritage and represents a broad partnership of organisations within the historic and botanic gardens sector including the Royal Horticultural Society, the Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, the National Trust and the Royal Botanical Gardens, Edinburgh and Kew.

Placements provide the opportunity to learn a wide range of skills directly from professional gardeners working in historic gardens.  These include the propagation of historic and botanic collections, plant record keeping, management of ancient trees, use of specialist machinery, managing and maintaining protected and hardy living collections, managing walled gardens and historic plantings.

12 months starting 1^st September.

Invited in February.

Applicants need to hold an appropriate qualification at level 2 (for England, equating to approximately level 4 in Northern Ireland and level 5 for Scotland), as well as have some experience of working in the sector.  If, however, you do not hold these qualifications but can demonstrate that you have the equivalent skills and experience your application will also be considered.

Opportunities are advertised on our website in February.  A contact list is held throught the year.  Interviews are held in April.  You can apply directly by completing the application form located on the website.

If you have any queries regarding these opportunities, contact the Scheme Coordinator at .