Horticulture jobs in Royal Tunbridge Wells

EXPERIENCED GARDENER

Part-time, 3 days per week | Wadhurst, East Sussex | Circa £31,000-£35,000 pro rata, dependent on experience

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced horticulturist to join the garden team at Wadhurst Park, a unique private estate in the East Sussex High Weald.

The role would suit a qualified, practical and thoughtful gardener with strong plant knowledge, sound horticultural skills and a particular interest in naturalistic gardening, gardening for wildlife and organic management.

The 4.5-acre ornamental garden is managed organically and sits within a wider estate dedicated to conservation, wildlife and long-term landscape restoration. The garden includes meadow and meadow-style planting, native hedges and trees with woodland ground cover, herbaceous borders, fruit and vegetable gardens, ponds, glasshouses and an orangery.

Our aim is for the garden to blend seamlessly into the wider landscape, supporting native ecology while remaining beautiful, well cared for and inspiring to visitors. Innovative horticulture, ecological thinking and ongoing garden design are central to the work of the team.

Wadhurst Park welcomes applicants from all backgrounds. Whoever you are, if you are motivated, hardworking, flexible, curious and passionate about horticulture that supports wildlife, we would be pleased to hear from you.

The role

Working as part of a small garden team, the successful candidate will help maintain and develop a wide range of garden areas to a high standard, using specialist horticultural skills and a sensitive, organic approach.

• Maintain and develop ornamental, meadow-style, woodland-edge, fruit, vegetable, pond, glasshouse and orangery areas to a high standard.
• Plan and prioritise day-to-day work effectively, managing your own workload while contributing to shared team objectives.
• Use appropriate horticultural techniques and machinery safely, carefully and efficiently.
• Contribute ideas and observations that support naturalistic planting, wildlife value, organic management and long-term garden development.
• Assist, where required, with the supervision and guidance of garden trainees, students and casual staff.
• Work in accordance with relevant health and safety requirements, and take an active interest in ongoing personal and professional development.

What we are looking for

Essential requirements

• Horticultural qualification at Level 2 or above.
• Good plant knowledge and practical experience across a range of horticultural techniques.
• Experience using a range of gardening machinery safely and competently.
• Genuine interest in naturalistic gardening, gardening for wildlife and organic management principles.
• Able to work well as part of a small team while also using initiative.
• Physically fit and able to work outdoors in a practical estate environment.
• Positive, approachable and willing to share knowledge when supporting others.
• Full driving licence.

Desirable attributes

• Experience in meadow, meadow-style or wildlife-focused planting schemes.
• Experience in fruit, vegetable, glasshouse or orangery work.
• Interest in ecology, habitat creation or conservation-led land management.
• Experience helping trainees, students or seasonal staff develop practical skills.
• Curiosity, attention to detail and a willingness to learn from a progressive garden setting.

What we offer

• A beautiful and unusual working environment on a progressive private estate.
• The chance to contribute to a garden that supports native ecology and demonstrates environmentally beneficial estate horticulture.
• Opportunities for ongoing professional development.
• Workplace pension scheme.
• Private health insurance.

How to apply

Please go to our website www.wadhurstpark.co.uk navigate to the Experienced Gardener vacancy. Under the last section How to Apply please use the link to fill in an application form. If you have any queries you can contact us at the following email address info@wadhurstpark.com

All appointments require proof of eligibility to work in the UK and satisfactory references.

Closing date: 06/09/26 Interviews will take place within 2 weeks of the closing date.

Pay: £30,000.00-£35,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Cycle to work scheme
• Private dental insurance
• Private medical insurance

Work Location: In person