Lead a team of gardeners at The Shuttleworth Trust
Corinne Price, Swiss Garden & grounds manager, tells us about the head gardener role they’re recruiting for
Corinne Price: "The Shuttleworth team is passionate about what it does"
Tell us about The Shuttleworth Trust and the work it does
The Shuttleworth Trust is a charitable organisation set up by Dorothy Shuttleworth following the death of her son, Richard, in a flying accident in 1940. The purpose of the Trust was to promote Richard’s interests in agriculture and aviation, and today visitors can enjoy access to a collection of vintage aircraft, the restored Swiss Garden and the House.
What role are you currently recruiting for and what does it involve?
The post of head gardener was created following the recent restoration of the nine-acre Swiss Garden, created by Lord Ongley during the Regency period. The ongoing maintenance and development of this unique landscape is an important element of the Trust’s commitment to preserving the wider estate’s heritage.
What kind of person are you looking for?
We are looking for someone who has the right skills, experience and character to lead and motivate a small team of gardeners and volunteers. Horticultural qualifications to RHS level 3 or equivalent are a must, as is significant supervisory experience within a team. Some understanding of historic gardens and their conservation needs would be an asset, along with experience of managing projects and health and safety matters within a garden setting.
Why would someone want to work for The Shuttleworth Trust?
The Shuttleworth team is passionate about what it does, from preserving vintage aircraft and displaying them at air shows throughout the summer season, to maintaining and conserving the newly opened House and the quirky yet charming landscape of the Swiss Garden. Three resident peacocks are a favourite with visitors, along with 13 listed buildings and artefacts which date from the Regency period, all restored beautifully thanks to a Heritage Lottery Grant awarded in 2012.
One of The Shuttleworth Trust's resident peacocks - a favourite amongst visitors!
What exciting projects are you working on?
The Swiss Garden is in a state of continuous development and conservation, with the emphasis being on retaining the historic features of the landscape whilst striving to present and interpret the garden for a modern audience. Upcoming projects include the restoration of Regency shrubberies and the implementation of a plant recording system.
What opportunities for training and development are there?
The Trust is committed to developing and training staff, and the garden team is no exception. Having the right skills in place helps to safeguard the Swiss Garden’s future, and developing new and existing skills is part of that process.
The Swiss Cottage at The Shuttleworth Trust
What tips would you offer applicants?
Applicants are encouraged to let us know how they meet the requirements of the job description as accurately as they can, and to use their covering letter to tell us why they think we should consider them for the post.
Sum up what it’s like to work at The Shuttleworth Trust
Working for The Shuttleworth Trust offers an opportunity to be part of a popular visitor attraction group which boasts a Regency garden, a Victorian house, and a collection of vintage aircraft ranging from the Edwardian period upwards. The Shuttleworth team works together to make the estate’s history come alive, and in doing so presents a unique experience to a range of audiences.