Arboretum Curator in Bedale

Thorp Perrow is very proud to hold five National Plant Collections under the guidelines set out by the NCCPG. As well as our National Plant Collections, we also hold 51 Champion Trees in the varied collection, recorded by The Tree Register. Thorp Perrow Arboretum is a year-round visitor attraction, that sits within a diversified country estate in the heart of North Yorkshire. This 100-acre arboretum is home to one of the UK’s finest collections of trees, shrubs, and wildlife, and welcomes around 80k visitors a year. Alongside our gardens, we host a wide variety of events, from concerts to workshops, falconry displays to family trails.

The Role

We are seeking an experienced and passionate Arboretum Curator to oversee the management, conservation and long-term development of the nationally significant tree and plant collection at Thorp Perrow. This role requires both desk‑based and hands‑on work with exceptional botanical and horticultural knowledge, particularly of temperate trees and shrubs, alongside strong planning, organisational and project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Management and maintenance of the collection
• Maintain cataloguing records and oversee the management of arboretum’s plants, ancient trees, Champion Trees and National Collections, including liaising with external expert bodies & horticultural industry associations.
• Develop planting plans focused on succession planting, biodiversity and environmental resilience.
• Coordinate seasonal maintenance programmes and ensure accurate record keeping.
• Manage sourcing and planning of new planting, including bulbs, seeds and wildflowers.
• Support tree health and safety management across the arboretum and wider estate.
• Lead arboretum projects and maintain high horticultural standards across all works and contractors.

Teamwork and leadership

• Manage and support garden staff, volunteers and occasional students.
• Work collaboratively with the wider estate team, directors and external organisations.
• Help maintain safe working practices and support site policies relating to arboretum operations.
• Assist with plant donations and visitor interactions in a professional and compassionate manner.

Working with third parties and the wider community

• Liaise with local authorities regarding TPOs and planning applications where required.
• Maintain relationships with suppliers, horticultural organisations, neighbouring estates and community groups.
• Act as an ambassador for Thorp Perrow, promoting the arboretum and its work, including ad hoc social media and mainstream media publicity.
• Respond to curator‑related correspondence from visitors, organisations and external groups.

Engagement and education

• Support talks, tours, exhibitions, events and interpretation relating to the collection.
• Help bring the collection to life for visitors through education and public engagement initiatives.

Candidate Experience

• Excellent plant knowledge especially of temperate trees and shrubs.
• Must hold relevant horticultural qualifications. Any qualifications held in arboriculture would also be desirable.
• Experience in collections management and maintaining plant health.
• A high‑level understanding of biodiversity.
• Strong leadership skills and previous experience managing horticultural teams.
• Experience coordinating and inspiring volunteers.
• Experience delivering large projects within a horticultural setting.
• Good knowledge of health and safety.
• Hold tree surveying qualifications or willingness to undertake relevant training.
• Good knowledge of technology including Outlook, Word, Excel etc.
• Must hold a valid UK driver’s licence.
• Experience of working in a similar arboretum or botanical garden setting.
• Experience in working within the heritage/cultural sector or tourist attraction.
• Experience in teaching plant/horticultural knowledge.
• Member of Professional Gardeners’ Guild.
• Member of Chartered Institute of Horticulture.

What We Offer

• A varied and rewarding role where no two days are the same.
• The chance to work in a stunning natural setting, surrounded by wildlife.
• Staff discounts in our tearoom and gift shop.
• Training and development opportunities to help you grow.
• A supportive, friendly team who are passionate about what they do.
• A self‑employed/contractor agreement can be arranged for this role.
• A 3‑bedroom rural cottage can be available with this role if required and subject to candidate’s personal requirements.

How to Apply

Location: Thorp Perrow, Bedale, North Yorkshire
Hours: Part‑time, based at Thorp Perrow Arboretum
Salary: Based on experience

If this sounds like the perfect role for you, we’d love to hear from you! Please send your CV and a cover letter telling us why you’d be a great fit.