Find your place in the field of good food

Our goal is to connect good people with good food. We advertise sustainable food jobs and training opportunities to help jobseekers and employers find each other.

Roots to Work is a project of Sustain: the alliance for better food and farming.

Job description

Community Gardener – Tender Specification and Application Process

If you have any questions or would like to arrange a visit to the garden and estate before submitting your application, please contact the TMO Manager:

Name Chay Pulger

Email chay.pulger@southwark.gov.uk

Telephone 020 7525 0745

Application Timeline:

• The deadline for applications is Thursday. 22nd January 2026.
• Candidates who are successfully shortlisted will be invited to attend an interview between 9–14 February 2026.
• The contract is scheduled to commence during the week beginning 6 April 2026.

1. Introduction

Residents of the D’Eynsford Estate take great pride in caring for our community garden (The Secret Garden) and landscaped grounds (D’Eynsford Estate Grounds). We are now seeking a Community Gardener to support the maintenance and development of these green spaces and to engage residents in gardening activities throughout the year.

The Secret Garden (Community Garden)

The Secret Garden, created by residents approximately 15 years ago, transformed an overgrown, unused space into a vibrant community hub. It now features:

• Woodland and wildflower area
• Herb garden
• Social space with tables, and a sheltered seating area
• Raised vegetable beds and a greenhouse & Shed
• Electric Point and Water Taps
• Composting Site

In addition to the Secret Garden, we continue to enhance the wider estate grounds, including revitalising neglected beds, planting climbers, and installing container planting areas. A network of water butts supports our volunteer watering team. General grounds maintenance is delivered by a contracted provider.

All gardening activities are overseen by the volunteer Garden and Grounds Committee, part of the TMO. We promote organic gardening, the use of native plants, and the creation of wildlife-friendly spaces.

Over the years, the TMO has employed community gardeners to help develop the estate’s green spaces, run engaging activities, and inspire residents of all ages to learn and enjoy gardening.

2. Role Details

We are seeking a Community Gardener to work with the Garden and Grounds Committee from 6th April 2026 to 31st March 2027. The role includes planning and delivering weekly gardening and community engagement activities in both the Secret Garden and wider estate.

Our aim is to adopt a whole-community approach, although some sessions may focus on specific groups such as children, families, older residents, or beginners. We also wish to encourage residents to grow plants at home—in gardens, balconies, and communal areas.

Scope of Work

• We are seeking quotations to deliver weekly gardening and outreach workshops for 12 months (6th April 2026 – 31st March 2027), with potential extension subject to funding and interest.
• Sessions will average 5 hours per week, comprising time for practical gardening tasks and community engagement activity.
• Session lengths may vary depending on planned activities and events; all scheduling will be agreed in advance with the Garden Sub-Committee.
• Sessions are expected to take place: Weekday: approximately 2 hours (days to be agreed with the successful applicant) Weekend: approximately 3 Hours (days to be agreed with the successful applicant)

3. Main Duties

1. Open the Secret Garden regularly for residents and visitors.
2. Welcome and engage visitors, promoting involvement in gardening activities.
3. Plan and lead weekly gardening activities in the Secret Garden and across the estate, in collaboration with the Committee.
4. Plan and promote special workshops and events (i.e. seed swap, wreath making etc)
5. Support the ongoing development, enhancement and maintenance of the Secret Garden and estate green spaces through hands-on gardening work.

4. Key Responsibilities

• Create an inclusive, welcoming and safe garden environment.
• Plan and deliver activities suitable for families, children, older residents, beginners and complete novices.
• Promote activities through on-site engagement, community events, noticeboards, newsletters, website, WhatsApp groups and social media (Instagram).
• Support residents to develop basic gardening skills and confidence.
• Provide expert horticultural advice to the Committee and TMO Manager, supporting planting plans and coordinated estate maintenance.
• Identify funding opportunities and assist in drafting grant applications where appropriate.
• Maintain the Secret Garden to a high standard, ensuring it is tidy, safe and attractive.
• Ensure safe use, storage and maintenance of gardening tools and equipment.
• Source and order plants, materials and supplies in coordination with the TMO Manager.
• Maintain monitoring records as agreed (e.g. attendance, activity logs).
• Liaise regularly with the TMO Manager and Committee Chair to review progress and priorities.
• Attend Gardening Committee Meetings.

5. Requirements

Applicants must have:

• Demonstrable gardening/horticultural experience and experience working with community groups.
• Public liability insurance.
• An enhanced DBS check for working with adults and children (or willingness to obtain one before commencement).

Application information

Please complete the details below and return to: chay.pulger@southwark.gov.uk

Contact Name:

Telephone:

Email:

Please outline your proposed costs below. Hourly Rate (based on 5 hours per week for 12 months):  £________ per hour

Supporting Statement (Max 500 Words)

Please provide a supporting statement outlining your gardening experience and relevant skills; any involvement in community garden projects; experience in community outreach and project management; your interest in the role; how you would encourage resident participation in the estate’s growing activities; the practices or procedures you use to ensure safe and well-managed projects (such as safeguarding, insurance and health and safety); and any additional information that would support your application.

Please email your application to:  chay.pulger@southwark.gov.uk

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