Threave Garden and Estate

Threave School of Practical Gardening offers a one year contract for students who require to learn the practical skills in horticulture and this commences in August of each year. The training offered is particularly valuable to students on ND, HND and Degree courses who require a sandwich year of practical experience, or for those students seeking a post course experience of structural tuition.

The Threave experience provides a unique opportunity to study in a garden with a huge and varied plant collection and to work alongside Instructor Gardeners who have a tremendous wealth of experience and knowledge. Successful candidates are sponsored by the National Trust for Scotland with a generous bursary and are accommodated free of charge in self-contained flats within a Victorian mansion which sits within the 64 acre garden. Further details can be obtained from The Principal, Threave Gardens, Castle Douglas DG7 1RX.

At Rockcliffe there is a programme of guided walks in summer. Places of interest include the Mote Mark which is the site of an ancient hill fort; Rough Island bird sanctuary (please do not visit the island during May and June due to the sensitivity of ground nesting birds); and Muckle Lands and Jubilee Path - 21 ha (51.5 a) of rough coastline between Rockcliffe and Kippford.

Both Threave and Rockcliffe have a Ranger service with extensive educational programmes and Young Naturalists Clubs. Contact the Rangers for details:
Threave: 01556 502575
Rockcliffe: 01556 630262

To organise visits to Threave, Rockcliffe and or for any further information, please contact Threave Garden and Estate on 01556 502575

Should you wish to bring an educational group to an NTS property it is essential that you contact the Property Manager in advance to make arrangements.

Click here to download a printable booking form (PDF format).

Click here to download a printable Property Information Sheet giving details on the educational potential of the property (PDF format).

Should you require a free visit to help plan excursion, please contact the Property Manager in advance.

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