Current Work Experience or Volunteering Opportunities in Horticulture

• At the Rothschild Foundation, we believe people are at the heart of our organisation and we want to create a sustainable legacy for the future of heritage by providing opportunities to cultivate skills in an environment of excellence. The internship is based in Waddesdon Manor’s gardens which were created by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild, and are a renowned example of Victorian horticulture combining formal planting, historic trees, and carefully designed landscapes.

• As a Gardens Intern (one-year fixed term from 14 September 2026), you’ll gain hands-on experience across the estate, supporting the care, maintenance, and presentation of the gardens throughout the year.

• You’ll work alongside a skilled team, learning how to manage seasonal bedding, lawns, herbaceous borders, hedges, and topiary, as well as a wide range of trees, shrubs, roses, fruit trees, and climbing plants.

• You’ll also develop an understanding of how historic gardens are managed sustainably, including protecting delicate ecosystems and supporting biodiversity within the landscape.

• You will have the opportunity to work towards your RHS Level 2 qualification which is an incredible opportunity to formalise your training in a professional garden.

• A highlight of the internship is working on Waddesdon Manor’s carpet bedding displays. These large-scale, highly detailed planting schemes are changed twice a year, with each design made up of thousands of plants.

• You’ll support the preparation and installation of these displays, gaining experience in one of the most distinctive aspects of the gardens.

• Part of the internship will take place at Eythrope Gardens, where you’ll work across parkland, a productive walled garden, glasshouses, and an orchard. Here, you’ll gain experience in growing vegetables and cut flowers, as well as practical horticultural tasks such as propagation, weeding, and pest management.

• Alongside plant care, you’ll also learn how to safely use and maintain tools, machinery, and equipment as part of day-to-day operations.

• We’re looking for someone who enjoys working outdoors in all weathers and has a genuine interest in horticulture and the natural environment.

• You should be curious about plants and motivated to develop your practical skills in the day-to-day care of a garden.

• This role is hands-on and varied, so you’ll need a positive, reliable approach and a willingness to take on a wide range of tasks.

• You should be comfortable working as part of a team, communicating clearly with colleagues, while also being able to work independently and manage your own responsibilities.

• An interest in developing skills such as plant identification, propagation, and the safe use of tools and machinery will help you get the most from the internship.

• No prior experience is required, although relevant qualifications in horticulture are advantageous. What matters most is your willingness to learn and take pride in your work.

Location: Waddesdon Manor, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP18 0JH

Salary: National Living Wage (£24,862.50 per annum)

Contract: 1-year fixed term contract

How to Apply: For any enquires please contact pathways@waddesdon.org.uk. To apply for the role please visit WADDESDON MANOR and scroll to the bottom of the job description and click ‘Apply Now’. Mention the YPHA Website!