Introduction

The Trust can offer students and others on-site work experience or internships in various aspects of horticulture, landscaping, conservation etc. It is a half acre garden comprising a series of rooms each dedicated to a different zonal theme, design and plant range.

A wide range of skills can be obtained in the areas of: Horticulture, Landscaping, Design, Conservation/Ecology, Habitats & Wildlife, DIY etc.

No previous skills or experience needed as full training is given.

What We Have Provided So Far

The Trust has links with several colleges and universities. The scheme is up and running and several students have benefited so far:

●Bath University, U.W.E, Bath Spa, Bristol  University:        on-site volunteering via student union volunteering portals where the Trustwe has profiles and 5 listed schemes/programmes. Students volunteered on-site and were able to gain credits for their degree.

●Short period internships:    three students from U.W.E. undertook on site placements as a direct part of their degree course for 60 hours each.

● Now also registeredbwith Bath College to provide work-experience for their students.

College Liaison

With all of the placements (both on site and remote) it has been part of our practice that at the end of the placement we write an employer report for the college and the student pon what the student has done and whether it was a success etc.

We are also able to offer ongoing liaison with the students tutor during the course.

Induction

•You will be given copies of the following documents. You need to read understand and feel comfortable with them: 

Risk assessment.  Health and safety. Accidents. Code of Conduct.  Student Welfare.

•You'll be asked to attend an interview and tour of the garden and have coffee. Then you can ask any questions before deciding.

•You will be asked to fill in a short Registration Form.

Teaching Method

•You are not left alone in the garden.

•You will be shown an activity and it will be demonstrated to you and then you’ll copy it and ask any questions and then you'll be asked to get on and do that job and I will come back maybe 15 or 30 minutes later to see how you're getting on.

• There are regular rest/coffee breaks.

Facilities Offered

•Fully equipped gymnasium with fixed weight twin stack weight system & three seating positions. And also free weights.

• Dipping pool (summer & late spring)

• Private study room in the garden.

•Extensive library on horticulture conservation wildlife landscaping design history etc.

• Tea, coffee, or squash.

Transport

The Trust is easy to reach and is7 located on the A4 midway between Chippenham and Calne.

Public Transport: for students without their own means of transport Chippenham is 8 minutes train ride from Bath and outside Chippenham railway station there is a bus running every 20 minutes directly to the location of my charity (takes 15mns).

How to Apply

if you are interested in an internship or work experience enjoy it college contacting College due to first and also send us an email turning us something about yourself:

stephencox.gardentrust@gmail.com

©Stephen Ben Cox 2026