The Royal Horticultural Society has appointed Tracy Snell to the role of Curator at RHS Garden Bridgewater in Salford, Greater Manchester the newest of its five prestigious gardens.

Tracy Snell begins her new role in February having been Garden Manager, Woodland and Estate at RHS Bridgewater since October 2018, taking over from Marcus Chilton-Jones, who has held the role since January 2017.  Both Marcus and Tracy have played a pivotal role in the creation and development of RHS Garden Bridgewater and its transformation from a once lost historic site into a welcoming and inspiring Garden steeped in horticultural history.

In her role as Garden Manager Tracy has led on the concept, visuals and designs for some of the key areas in the garden’s development including the Chinese Streamside Garden.

About starting her new role, Tracy says: ‘I’m excited to be given the opportunity to develop my career at the RHS. As a young garden, there is so much still to develop and maintain in terms of the horticulture on offer and how we can better connect the garden spaces to enhance the experience of our visitors which makes this such an exciting prospect.  I am also keen to draw on my background in ecology and ensure biodiversity continues to be an essential part of our practices, a focus that aligns with the RHS’s Bringing Biodiversity Home theme for this year and is more important than ever.

“I’m looking forward to working with a fantastic team to ensure the garden continues to grow from strength to strength.  It’s about much more than maintaining a beautiful garden, it’s about creating one that continually evolves and inspires our visitors.”

Marcus Chilton-Jones remains at RHS Bridgewater in his new role as Head of Site, overseeing the garden’s continuing development and leading on the strategic planning of its future. 

Richard Green Director of Visitor Experience & Estates, said: “Tracy’s wealth of experience and passion for horticulture along with her involvement in the design and creation of key areas at RHS Garden Bridgewater makes her the perfect person for the role.  Her experience as Garden Manager gives her a unique understanding of the Bridgewater’s past, present and future and we are excited to see how she will guide the garden’s continued development.  I would also like to thank Marcus for his outstanding leadership as Curator and congratulate him on his new role as Head of Site, where his experience and knowledge will continue to be invaluable.”