Sole Gardener
Swynnerton Estates
Near Stone, Staffordshire
Swynnerton Hall is a 'Grade I' listed building and sits within a 5,500 acre estate in Staffordshire. The history of the wider estate dates back to the 11th century, parts of which still remain with the family today. In the mid-16th century the Fitzherbert’s inherited the Swynnerton Estate and continue to own and run The Estate today. In recent years the Estate has focused on diversifying away from the historical agricultural reliance, and includes a commitment to conservation and sustainability.
The gardens are relatively modest and include both formal and informal spaces. There is a simple grass terrace which, beyond the Ha-Ha, connects with the parkland to the South, designed by Lancelot Brown. There is a flower garden, productive garden, a significant modern glass house (heated by biofuel), and a formal garden with clipped topiary and hedges. The wider pleasure grounds contain grass glades, an Ice Pond, bulb planting and a range of rare and unusual trees. There is an opportunity to manage the grassland as wildflower meadow.
The Estate has recently made a generational change with the new family now in place with responsibility for The Estate. They are looking to make their own contribution by updating the garden and estate in ways that carefully respects the past. The garden provides many opportunities to do so.
We are looking for an experienced Sole Gardener to work closely with the family as a well as the wider Swynnerton Estates Team. We will take gentle but progressive steps in moving the garden forward. This could provide an opportunity for the Sole Gardener to further develop their experience and knowledge to support the implementation of new ideas on the ground. Whilst we believe in taking a practical and realistic approach; we value our soil, nature and the environment and look forward to the Sole Gardener helping us to move the garden in that direction.
We have a wonderful team at Swynnerton with staff staying for a long time (only three gardeners in 70 years) and are hoping that the appointee will look to make a lasting commitment. The successful appointment should be enthusiastic, proactive, discrete, someone who will take responsibility for their work, and who will share our vision and passion for the future of the garden and estate.
Salary negotiable but circa £35k - £40K reflecting the PGG Salary Guidelines.