Summary
We're looking for an Assistant Head Gardener to join the team here at Glendurgan as part of the Heart of Cornwall portfolio which also includes Bosloe garden. This exciting and impactful role is an opportunity to help the National Trust develop its long term plan for Glendurgan gardens in line with the new strategy alongside the Head Gardener and the team.
Glendurgan is a place that has been touched by the various generations who have loved it. Whilst always respecting the past and finding inspiration from its history, Glendurgan has been unafraid of pushing boundaries throughout the generations, endeavouring to remain inspiring and very much, Glendurgan.
Salary: £32,966 per annum
Contract: Permanent
Hours/ working pattern: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week.
Interview: 11th June 2026
What it's like to work here
The garden at Glendurgan, the creation of Alfred and Sarah Fox, was renowned for his soft playful approach and uniqueness where once quoted that ‘Glendurgan is a little piece of heaven’. The valley Garden is within three valleys where it is intimate at times, evoking themes of personal identity and triumphs, views that captivate, blending unexpectedness with exotic plants sourced from around the globe where you don’t quite know what to expect.
Glendurgan is also an exceptional example of Cornish woodland valley garden, intended to be both beautiful and productive, with woodland, valleys, orchard, meadows and surrounding farmland which is tenanted. The garden offers hints of history, parts of what could be placing you in another part of the world like an area called New Zealand.
Last year we welcomed over 90’000 visitors and we hope to be able to welcome more in a balanced way but yet offer the uniqueness that is Glendurgan going forward.
As part of the wider Heart of Cornwall Property Group, which includes Bosloe, Trelissick and Trerice. Bosloe is managed as part of Glendurgan We are supported across the portfolio to make sure we can all perform our roles and help one another where we can as a team with a proactive approach.
This is a significant time for all National Trust gardens and parks as we champion and deliver a thoughtful, horticulturally sound and ecological approach, that works for nature and people, guided by our Conservation Principles with a new approach to how we garden coming into effect.
What you'll be doing
As part of the Leadership Team, you’ll work closely with the Head Gardener, wider team and national specialists to enhance the heritage, nature and people benefits of Glendurgan, ensuring the right skills, processes and relationships are in place, including with the on-site donor family.Your first three months will focus on reviewing and prioritising garden areas and plant collections, directing resources where most needed while championing Conservation Principles, sustainable practices and climate resilience, particularly in woodland areas. You’ll continue existing work, deliver key management plan actions and help shape the garden’s long-term future, supporting inclusive and engaging experiences for a broadening audience.You’ll lead the garden team alongside the Head Gardener, supporting a Senior Gardener and three staff, managing work programmes and ensuring compliance with environmental and safety standards. You’ll identify skills needs, support development and provide coaching, while contributing to wider strategic planning and advocating for the gardens.Working with the wider Property Leadership Team, you’ll help deliver a cohesive and inspiring visitor experience, building strong relationships across the site and supporting your team to do the same.Please also see attached additional information and role profile.
Who we're looking for
• Experience of working collaboratively with specialist teams to deliver conservation principles, environmental horticulture practices and the management of living collections • Experience of contributing to historic and public landscape management reviews and planning within a team setting • Strong communication, a positive way of thinking and team leadership skills, with the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders. • A passion for gardens and gardening, with a commitment to sustainable practices and environmental responsibility but also highlighting where management of the garden could be different. • An understanding of the changing needs, aesthetics and management challenges of 21st century gardens, including climate change. A challenge that we all need to inspire to meet. • Enthusiasm for developing a holistic approach to the garden with ways of managing the garden spaces going forward. • Ability to build effective and positive relationships with internal colleagues, external partners and visitors • Commitment to inclusive engagement, helping people and communities connect with stories, gardens and landscape
The package
The National Trust has the motto ‘For everyone, for ever’ at its heart. We’re working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It’s important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we’re for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.
•Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary
•Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)
•Rental deposit loan scheme
•Season ticket loan
•EV car lease scheme (for roles that meet the salary criteria)
•Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts
•Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.
•Flexible working whenever possible
•Employee assistance programme
•Free parking at most Trust places