Ness Botanic Gardens

Ness Botanic Gardens cover 64 acres, with stunning views of the River Dee and North Wales. The gardens feature a diverse variety of plants and planting areas, including a rock garden, water gardens, south-facing terraces, Mediterranean garden, herbaceous borders, glasshouses and polytunnels (including an Alpine House and a Cacti House), kitchen garden, woodland gardens and wildflower meadows. Constantly changing, there are always new things to see at Ness, including vibrant year-round colour and outstanding collections of Rhododendrons, Camellias, Snowdrops and Sorbus, amongst other genera.

The gardens were founded in 1898. Our social and horticultural history, stemming from our founder, Arthur Kiplin Bulley, still informs what we do. Today, the commitment to maintain and develop the beauty of the Gardens remains, but – as a university botanic garden – there is an increasing emphasis on research, conservation and education of the public, areas reflecting Bulley’s original interests.

As a trainee at Ness, you will have the opportunity to use a wide range of hand-held and ride-on machinery. Working in a botanic garden, you will develop your plant knowledge and have opportunities to learn about herbarium work and plant record management using IrisBG, as well as access to our library. If interested, you will have the chance to study towards an RHS Level 2 or 3 qualification. You will be able to take advantage of a week’s placement on our University’s main campus in Liverpool, working with the grounds management team, and gaining experience of techniques such as sports ground maintenance.

Placement opportunity: 1 year

Staff numbers: 9 full-time gardeners; 90 garden volunteers; 20 plant collection volunteers; students on placement from Reaseheath College.

Ease of access: Neston railway station is 8 minutes’ drive away, or 18 minutes by bus. Liverpool John Lennon Airport is 1 hour’s drive away.

Accommodation: No dedicated accommodation available.