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The Historic & Botanic Garden Bursary Scheme

Remit

The HBGBS aims to address the dwindling pool of skilled staff in the historic gardens and landscape sector.

This is a new bursary scheme, begun in 2006 and funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).  The Scheme is led by English Heritage and represents a broad partnership of organisations within the historic and botanic gardens sector including the Royal Horticultural Society, the Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, the National Trust and the Royal Botanical Gardens, Edinburgh and Kew.

The HBGBS offers placements, exchanges and secondments as well as funding to attend workshops and seminars in the support of horticulturists continuing professional development.

Placements, Exchanges and Secondments

These provide the opportunity to learn a wide range of skills relating to horticulture in historical sites.  These include the propagation of historic and botanic collections, plant record keeping, management of ancient trees, use of specialist machinery, managing and maintaining protected and hardy living collections, managing walled gardens and historic plantings.

Continuing Professional Development

If you are already working in horticulture and have a particular interest in a workshop or event that you believe would enhance your skills you may be eligible to apply.

Eligibility

Applicants need to hold an appropriate qualification at level 2 (for England, equating to approximately level 4 in Northern Ireland and level 5 for Scotland), as well as have some experience of working in the sector.  If, however, you do not hold these qualifications but can demonstrate that you have the equivalent skills and experience your application will also be considered.

How to apply

Opportunities are advertised throughout the year on our website.  Applications for placements will be considered in March.  You can apply directly by completing the application form located on our website.  If you have any queries regarding these opportunities contact the Scheme Coordinator.