Newnham College, established in 1871 for the education of women, has a student body of around 550 (undergraduate and graduate) and academic and ancillary staff numbering just over 100. Newnham, one of the University's 31 colleges, is situated near central Cambridge in pleasant grounds, only a short walk from the City Centre.
Overview of the gardens:
Newnham is proud of its 18 acres of landscaped gardens and the Gardens Department is the focus of much activity that is important both to the daily life of the College and to the perception of the College by admissions candidates, students, visitors and conference guests.
Students, staff and Senior Members alike are allowed to use all parts of the gardens for a variety of functions ranging from end of year parties to studying or relaxing. Although there is no overall design the garden contains many interesting features such as a sunken rose garden, herbaceous borders and a nut walk.
There are many fine and unusual trees and shrubs, some just beginning to reach maturity. On the perimeter of the main complex there are a number of Edwardian houses, which have been converted to accommodate graduate students; the gardens have been laid out to complement the houses and to provide pleasant surroundings in which to study.
The College also has a small sports field providing facilities for football, hockey, lacrosse and tennis. Following the completion of a new building this summer, the Garden Department will be involved with the creation of several new gardens as part of the development, so there may be the opportunity to extend the contract to a permanent full time post.
The person appointed will work as part of a team under the supervision of the Head Gardener, in conjunction with the Domestic Bursar who is responsible for all gardens and grounds.
The Head Gardener reports to the Domestic Bursar for the day to day running of the gardens and to the Gardens Committee for the implementation of long-term policies.
The Gardens Department consists of a small, friendly team of the Head Gardener, Senior Gardener and three full-time under-gardeners. The department is housed in a purpose-built centre, with kitchen and shower facilities, adjacent to the nursery garden. To assist the garden staff the College has made substantial investment in modern tools and machinery.
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