Overview
Gardener Jobs in Kendal, UK at National Trust for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty
An exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic gardener to work at one of the National Trust’s most unique gardens and join our expert team of staff and volunteers for a 6 month period.
As a Gardener for the National Trust, you’ll be a hands‑on member of the garden team, involved in every aspect of gardening ponsible for day‑to‑day tasks, and the highest standards of horticulture, you’ll also play a vital role in improving the experience of visitors to the garden and wider estate.
Our Gardens are heritage sites and home to some of the most extensive plant collections in Europe – at Sizergh there are four National Collections. You’ll be a part of the team of professionals leading a team of volunteers in caring for all aspects of the Garden at Sizergh.
Contract Duration: Fixed‑term contract until 31st December 2026. We are open to considering this role as a secondment opportunity.
Working Pattern: Part‑time, 30 hours (4 days per week), including Bank Holidays. You will be part of a regular weekend working on a rotary basis.
Interview date: Friday 17th July 2026
What it’s like to work here
Reporting to the Head Gardener, you will be part of a team of 4 Gardeners working at Sizergh, part of the South Cumbria and Lancashire Property Group. Sizergh is an imposing medieval house situated at the gateway to the Lake District and sits within a 1,600 acre estate. The Gardens at Sizergh include the Trust’s largest limestone rock garden and four national collections of ferns.
Restoration projects within the house and garden have created opportunities in all areas, particularly within the extensive gardening operation and visitor experience. This is a lively property with a varied events programme and thriving café, and the property are looking for team members with energy and enthusiasm.
You’ll be helping to keep the Gardens in great condition every day. Tasks include:
- Daily checks to make sure all areas are safe for visitors
- Weeding, pruning and mulching
- Using machinery such as hedge cutters, leaf blowers, lawnmowers and tractors
- Propagation and preparation of plants for sale
You’ll help lead a team of volunteers and support the wider team of gardeners. The role involves physical work in all weathers and use of a wide variety of machinery and equipment. Training will be provided, and training new staff & volunteers is also part of this role.
Who we’re looking for
- Enthusiastic horticulturist and hands‑on gardener, experienced with hard landscaping
- Knowledgeable about plants, with a great eye for detail
- Experienced with machinery, including tractors, chainsaws, rotary and cylinder mowers, and some knowledge of maintenance
- A driver with a full licence
- Ability to manage a demanding outdoor role
- Good at communicating with all kinds of people
- Equally confident working within a team, with volunteers or on your own
- Able to keep to time, plan and meet deadlines
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 differences, so 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)
- 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
Location
Sizergh, Sizergh, Kendal, LA8 8AE
Closing Date: 12th July 2026
Equal Opportunities Statement
The National Trust celebrates diversity and is committed to creating a fair and equal society, free from discrimination. You can read more about our commitment to inclusion and diversity here.
Safeguarding Statement
The National Trust is committed to a safe recruitment process to help the organisation attract and appoint the right staff/volunteer for the role and responsibilities as set out in the vacancy advert. We will not accept applicants who are not suitable to work with children, young people or adults you have any questions around your suitability for this vacancy, please contact the people service centre.
Please note we reserve the right to close this advert early and therefore we encourage you to apply for this position early.
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Title: Gardener
Company: National Trust for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty
Location: Kendal, UK
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