Hatfield House

Hatfield House was completed in 1611. It was built by Robert Cecil, first Earl of Salisbury and son of Lord Burghley, the chief minister of Elizabeth I.

The garden covers 42 acres and date from the early 17^th century. John Tradescant the elder was the first Head Gardener. Today, Hatfield House is the home of the 7th Marquess and Marchioness of Salisbury. Hatfield House is a varied garden which comprises formal gardens, a kitchen garden, a cut-flower garden, woodland, meadows, glasshouses and parkland.

The medieval parkland of Hatfield Park is one of the few remaining in the country where a wood pasture system of land management is still evident. The trees in this historic environment have been actively managed over the centuries and continues to this day.

The West Garden offers a haven of plants and flowers, glorious water fountains and a fascinating Longitude dial. The East Garden is the private garden adjoining the Jacobean house has a parterre, maze, lake, topiary, herbaceous borders and vegetable garden.

A trainee based at Hatfield would gain experience in a wide range of general horticultural practices. Training will be given on various machinery including compact tractors, ride-on mower, push mower, hedge cutters, robotic mowers, and battery equipment. The trainee will work in all areas of the garden during their year at Hatfield.

Placements available: One

Staff numbers: 7 full time horticulturists, 1 HBGTP trainee and 30 volunteers.

Ease of access: 22 minutes away from London Kings Cross station to Hatfield railway station. 21 miles from Central London, 7 miles North of the M25 motorway and 2 miles East of the A1.

Accommodation: No dedicated accommodation available.