Stephen Cox Garden Trust

About us



Want something different and rewarding? Then come and join our education garden charity advancing education in horticulture and conservation. We welcome those who'd like to lend to maintain & improve the unique garden and/gain skills a experience. Full instruction given. A great way to improve your skills, build your confidence.

WHAT WE DO: The Trust and its founder serves the local and regional community with charitable facilities, workshops, teaching, conservation, and placements. This includes:

  • Placements for young adults with learning difficulties.
  • Residential internships for students age 18-28 from across the European Union.
  • Library facilities for students.
  • Skills learning for young unemployed.
  • Study holiday placements
  • Conservation manager roles for students
  • Wildlife & Habitat roles.
  • YouTube video editor roles

But additionally it also offers on a broader perspective appreciation of and insights into heritage, history, wildlife, conservation, art & culture for the improvement of human well-being. There is also a fully equipped gymnasium in its own building.

OUR GARDEN: of about 1/3 of an acre includes: Orchard, Fish Pond, Wetland, Greenhouse, Summerhouse, Waterfall, Beach, Statues, Woodland, Exotics garden, Vegetable garden, Urn garden, Buddhist courtyard, 9 Fountains, various flower collections/rooms (e.g. Alpines, Dianthus, Dwarf Conifers, Fuchsia, Acers, and Cottage garden), 13 seating areas, Gymnasium, Patios, as well as paths and lawns and 7 large Pergola Arches.

It also has a Library of over 10,000 items; a fully equipped gymnasium; dipping pool.

The Trust is seeking students/helpers/apprentices/ volunteers who want: ●a creative, interesting opportunity, ●learn new skills ●help support a charity. ●explore career choices.

ACTIVITIES include: Gardening; General maintenance; Library admin; Garden and outbuildings DIY; Art; Conservation; Wildlife habitats; Photography; Art and Design; Wildlife auditing; Web-site design; Painting & decorating; Landscaping; Video editing.

HOW TO JOIN US: Just send an email telling us something about yourself. Write to: [email protected]

You do not need any qualifications or previous experience as tuition and guidance is given

Location is midway between Calne and Chippenham in Wiltshire, just off the A4 near Bowood House & Gardens. On the 55 bus route between Chippenham and Swindon (every 20minutes). Also on bus route for Bath, Devizes, Melksham.

(The Trust is a registered charity #1174239. It has no paid or employed staff; no business activities; and is not a publicly open facility.)

You can come for as little as 2 hours a week to as long as you want. It's friendly, calm and relaxed atmosphere.