Westonbirt, The National Arboretum is one of the world’s finest botanical collections of trees and shrubs. With approx. 2,700 taxa and 15,000 specimens growing within 253ha of a beautifully designed and picturesque landscape.  Westonbirt is a Grade One registered historic park and garden, and Level Four ArbNet accredited arboretum, it is home to over 140 champion trees, and holds five Plant Heritage National Collections.

Since 1956 the Arboretum has been managed by the Forestry Commission, now Forestry England, with a modern mission 'To connect people with trees to improve the quality of life'.  This is achieved through a wide range of objectives that cover science, learning, community participation, volunteering and recreation.  The Arboretum attracts over 550,000 visits per year, which makes it the largest pay to enter attraction in Gloucestershire, and it generates an estimated contribution to the local economy of over £23 million.

Purpose of the Role

A 12-month work-based student placement with the Westonbirt Arboretum Tree Team, to help our dedicated Tree Team manage the specimen trees and shrubs within the living collection, as well as the historic ‘picturesque’ landscape. To help maintain and develop the Arboretum for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.

Key Work Areas

• arboricultural operations as part of a team - tree and shrub planting, establishment checks, pruning, dead-wooding, wood-chipping, stump-grinding, mulching, tree protection, accurate recording of information and mapping.
• practical use of a wide range of chainsaws, tools, equipment, machinery and vehicles.
• assist with care of young and wild collected plants within our propagation unit.
• general grounds maintenance – sward management, grass mowing, herbicide application.
• careful adherence to written work programmes and accurate recording with the use of tablets.
• respond to any public enquires in a professional and helpful way.

For full details and to apply, click HERE