Head Gardener (Live in or out) - EC4369

A very rare opportunity has arisen for a particular type of Head Gardener/Horticulturist to play a key role in the development of an organic private permaculture project on the edge of Dartmoor, West Devon.  This vacancy would suit an experienced plants person with a genuine passion for the environment and enhancement of natural habitats and conservation and a flare for creating beautiful gardens.  The position is offered with accommodation on site, or on a live-out basis with associated salary compensation.

The 220 acre site comprises three adjoining farms and was recently purchased by a young couple with aspirations to ‘rewild’ much of the property into an organic haven for native flora and fauna.  The new owners’ entrepreneurial success in the creative arts and natural health has enabled them to launch their dream project in one of the most beautiful parts of the UK.  The project will be the materialisation of this visionary couples’ ideal natural environment, whilst providing a unique and beautiful place for other likeminded folk to work and live, including overseas volunteers.

Encompassing marshes, open meadows, streams, woodland and soon to be ‘naturalised’ gardens, the aim is to create a model example of permaculture in a non-commercial setting.  The project area is made up of three properties; two with one acre gardens and one, the main house, with a four acre semi-formal garden.  The majority of the 220 acres comprises of open meadows, beautiful bluebell woodlands, streams, and paddocks containing rare breed cattle, sheep, goats and Dartmoor ponies.  Garden features are to include a rose garden, cut flower garden, vegetable garden, fruit cages, three orchards (two already planted), a large greenhouse (currently in planning), a polytunnel, new trees and ornamental planting throughout.  The gardens currently contain elements of the above; however the project is at a very early stage and so will require the professional input of the new Head Gardener on an ongoing basis.  It is important to note that the new Head Gardener will play a holistic role in the development and management of the project so must share the client’s vision and passion for the project, as well as for the enhancement of the natural environment in general.

The successful applicant will be responsible for the management of voluntary staff (up to 8 people on the WWOOF program in summer), contractors when on site, plant ordering, budgeting and hands-on gardening and project development.  The entire 220 acres will be managed organically with a focus on native habitat management and as such, applicants must have good theoretical and working knowledge of organic gardening and ideally, ecology, permaculture and conservation.

This is a rare opportunity for a passionate and talented plants person to play a key role in an important environmental project.  The property is situated in one of the most beautiful parts of the country, with accommodation provided for the successful candidate, if required.

If this position is of interest please apply or contact Mark Read on 01233 733510 or info@englishcountrygardeners.co.uk

Thank you for the interest you have shown in this Head Gardener vacancy.  Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications that we receive, it is not possible to respond to every one.  Therefore, unless you hear from us within the next 14 days, your application for this Head Gardener vacancy will have been unsuccessful.