Gardener
| Posting date: | 24 February 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £26,793 per year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 08 March 2026 |
| Location: | Winkworth Arboretum, Hascombe Road, Godalming, GU8 4AD |
| Remote working: | On-site only |
| Company: | National Trust |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | IRC171463 |
Summary
As a Gardener for the National Trust, you’ll be a hands-on member of the team, involved in every aspect of maintenance at Winkworth Arboretum. Responsible for day-to-day maintenance, you’ll also play a vital role in improving the experience of visitors to the Arboretum.
You will be required to work occasional weekends and bank holidays.
What it's like to work here
Winkworth is a beautiful landscape arboretum in the Surrey Hills with about 1,000 different specimens of tree and shrub with a lake, wetland, ancient woodland, over 100 Champion trees and this spring a new visitor centre.
It is a remarkable place to work with two peak seasons: spring for the bluebells and autumn for the colour. It is nationally recognised and holds a Level 2 acreditation from Arbnet.
Suited to someone experienced with machinery and with working in all weathers and terrains. It is a physically demanding role rather than a less physical gardening one.
What you'll be doing
You'll be helping to keep the arboretum in excellent condition every day. This might involve daily checks to make sure all areas are safe for people visiting, routine tasks such as chipping, strimming, pruning, mulching and using machinery such as hedge cutters, leaf blowers, lawnmowers, atv's and tractors.
Other duties might include tree safety work, step, footpath and fence repair, planting and many other duties on site.
Who we're looking for
Applications from redeployees are assessed against the minimum criteria for the role. In your application, please provide details of how you meet the minimum criteria below:
knowledge of practical horticulture and plant care
ability to contribute to teamwork and volunteer support
understanding of machinery use and safety compliance
experience in work programme and project support
confidence in communication and public engagement
All other applicants, we'd love to hear from you if you’re:
an enthusiastic horticulturist and hands-on gardener, who’s worked with hard landscaping before
knowledgeable about plants, with a great eye for detail.
experienced with machinery, including tractors, chainsaws, rotary and cylinder mowers, and with some knowledge of maintenance
a driver with a full licence
able to manage a demanding outdoor role
good at talking to, and getting on 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 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
You will be required to work occasional weekends and bank holidays.
What it's like to work here
Winkworth is a beautiful landscape arboretum in the Surrey Hills with about 1,000 different specimens of tree and shrub with a lake, wetland, ancient woodland, over 100 Champion trees and this spring a new visitor centre.
It is a remarkable place to work with two peak seasons: spring for the bluebells and autumn for the colour. It is nationally recognised and holds a Level 2 acreditation from Arbnet.
Suited to someone experienced with machinery and with working in all weathers and terrains. It is a physically demanding role rather than a less physical gardening one.
What you'll be doing
You'll be helping to keep the arboretum in excellent condition every day. This might involve daily checks to make sure all areas are safe for people visiting, routine tasks such as chipping, strimming, pruning, mulching and using machinery such as hedge cutters, leaf blowers, lawnmowers, atv's and tractors.
Other duties might include tree safety work, step, footpath and fence repair, planting and many other duties on site.
Who we're looking for
Applications from redeployees are assessed against the minimum criteria for the role. In your application, please provide details of how you meet the minimum criteria below:
knowledge of practical horticulture and plant care
ability to contribute to teamwork and volunteer support
understanding of machinery use and safety compliance
experience in work programme and project support
confidence in communication and public engagement
All other applicants, we'd love to hear from you if you’re:
an enthusiastic horticulturist and hands-on gardener, who’s worked with hard landscaping before
knowledgeable about plants, with a great eye for detail.
experienced with machinery, including tractors, chainsaws, rotary and cylinder mowers, and with some knowledge of maintenance
a driver with a full licence
able to manage a demanding outdoor role
good at talking to, and getting on 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 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