Gardener for a Day

We're offering you an exciting chance to join our zoo gardening team for the day.

Take the opportunity to learn more about the fascinating array of exotic plants and shrubs around the world. Dig in with our horticultural experts and learn how to grow and care for colourful species.

Plus if you keep your eyes and ears open while you're working in our gardens, you're certain to also catch a glimpse of the rare, fascinating and in many cases simply eye-boggling birds, reptiles, meerkats, big cats, bears, elephants, giraffes, rhinos and other animals which make up our award-winning zoo family.

Through our Gardener for a Day scheme you'll get chance to explore Chester Zoo's 110 acres of gardens, learn about some of the world's most rare plants and discover fascinating facts you didn't know about much-loved common flowers and trees.

Our gardens include some truly exotic planting, themed areas tied in with our animal exhibits and formal park areas where visitors just love to rest or even picnic.

The exciting day makes a great treat for yourself, or a perfect gift and truly unforgettable experience for a green fingered family member or friend. It involves working alongside our qualified, highly skilled and enthusiastic gardeners. You'll spend half a day outside with the team, including in one of the animal houses.

Then in the afternoon there is time in the nursery caring for our specialist collection of tender plants.

These special days are held on Wednesdays from April to October from 8am to 4pm. Tea breaks and lunches are included and you'll get a signed commemorative certificate and small gift as a souvenir of your day.

You can bring a guest along for free, but the guest will not be working alongside you and can only enter the zoo after 10am.

All funds raised through this popular scheme support Chester Zoo's extensive work on conservation programmes both at home and overseas.

We currently support valuable wildlife and environmental conservation schemes in more than 100 countries.

How to book

If you would like to take part in this unique experience please download and complete this application form and send with your cheque payment of £150 to:

Gardener for a Day, Chester Zoo, Cedar House, Caughall Road Chester CH2 1LH

We will then contact you to confirm the date of your Gardener for a Day. 

Telephone 01244 650236. Email info@chesterzoo.org