Mapperton is a historic country estate in West Dorset, with a nationally recognised house and 15-acre Grade II* listed gardens at its heart. The Estate also includes farms, woodland, residential property and a range of visitor and hospitality businesses.
We are looking for a hands-on and highly motivated Gardener to support the management and development of Mapperton Gardens. This is a practical role with significant responsibility for maintaining high horticultural standards and contribution to the gardens’ public profile, including support for social media and YouTube content. The successful candidate will understand the importance of both preserving the character of a historic garden and helping it continue to develop as part of a living estate.
Set around a Grade I manor house in a spectacular coombe within West Dorset’s National Landscape, Mapperton Gardens combine formal lawns and topiary, pools, stonework, mixed borders, shrubs, an arboretum, glass house, orangery, walled garden and a wild spring garden. The gardens are open to the public for eight months of the year with over 20,000 visitors and were awarded Historic Houses Garden of the Year 2020. Note that Mapperton hosts weddings on most Saturdays during the season. The gardens are central to the visitor experience and require thoughtful conservation, excellent horticulture and careful long-term management.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the day-to-day horticultural management, maintenance and development of Mapperton’s historic gardens
- Undertake practical gardening and grounds work to a high standard, including planting, pruning, propagation, lawn care, border maintenance and general upkeep in a physically demanding environment
- Maintain and improve standards of plant health, seasonal interest and overall appearance across all areas of the gardens
- Support the head gardener to deliver seasonal work programmes, including maintenance, planting and longer-term development
- Work alongside a team of garden volunteers, ensuring they are well supported, well organised and able to contribute meaningfully
- Deliver garden tours to groups from time to time
- Engage positively with visitors, specialist groups and others with an interest in the gardens
- Express Mapperton’s values in day-to-day work and leadership: Well-being, Kindness, Sustainability, Community, Regeneration, Interdependence, Learning, Excellence
- Provide support for events and weddings
- Some weekend working will be required
Other areas
· Maintaining ponds and water features.
· Tennis court maintenance.
· Maintaining verges.
· Upkeep of rental property gardens
Person Specification
The successful candidate will be:
- A knowledgeable gardener with strong practical skills and a willingness to develop and learn
- Enthusiastic, motivated and energetic, able to work hard in a physically demanding environment including lifting loads and working at height
- Capable of working alongside volunteers and contractors
- Well organised, with the ability to plan, prioritise effectively and keep clear records
- Committed to high standards and to the long-term care and development of a historic garden
- Comfortable working both independently and as part of a small team
- Friendly, professional and confident in dealing with visitors and external groups
- Flexible approach to working and able to work some weekends.
Essential Qualifications and Experience
Applicants must have:
- An RHS Level 2 or equivalent
- At least two years’ full-time practical experience in a historic garden, country house garden or similarly high-standard horticultural setting
- Experience of working within a team, ideally to include volunteers
- Knowledge and experience of ponds, topiary and lawns would be an advantage
- A full clean driving licence
Salary and Benefits
- Salary £26,500 to £28,500 depending on experience
- 40 hours per week
- 28 days holiday per annum
- Workplace pension
- Workplace benefits
- Discounted café
- Flexible working hours considered
- On-site parking
Please include a cover letter and CV with your application.
Job Type: Full-time
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £26,500.00-£28,500.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
