Henry of the Jungle: ex-Heligan apprentice appointed as head gardener
The Lost Gardens of Heligan has appointed 26-year-old Henry Welch, who began his career as a horticultural apprentice at the gardens, as its new head gardener.
Henry has taken the reins from Nicola Bradley, who left at the end of April after 20 years with the team.
He was previously managing Heligan’s Jungle – the UK’s only outdoor jungle – having re-joined the team in 2024 after completing his horticultural education at Edinburgh Botanic Gardens and Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew in London.
Having grown up within walking distance of Heligan, the seeds of Henry’s love of gardening were planted when working in its productive gardens as an apprentice.
Now he has been appointed as head gardener, his vision for Heligan’s plant collection is to maintain and bolster historical favourites, such as the National Collection of Camellias and Rhododendrons, while incorporating climate-resilient plantings to shape how Heligan evolves over the coming decades.
Henry said: “I wasn’t much into gardening as a child, but from the moment I pulled up my first plug of potatoes in Heligan’s productive gardens, I fell in love. The feeling of creating something with your own hands is unmatched.”
Henry’s passion also extends to apprenticeships, having first-hand experience of how this experience can catalyse a career in horticulture.
He said: “I feel passionate about growing the next generation of apprentices. Getting early experience in such a prominent and special garden has guided me throughout my career, and I hope we can do the same for other plant-lovers looking to start their career.”
Heligan’s mission of natural regeneration is reflected closely in this view, with its aim to plant the seeds of a lifelong love of the natural world with as many visitors as possible. This includes their recent investment into the Centre for Nature Futures, an education hub that fosters learning through experience, curiosity and connection.
David Harland, chief executive of The Lost Gardens of Heligan, said: “We’re thrilled to have Henry’s hand on the horticultural tiller, and believe his passion for plants, nature and education will help guide Heligan in a way that stays true to its magnificent past while looking towards a bright future.
“We are very proud of Henry’s journey and hope he is an inspiration to talented young people, regardless of their passion. At Heligan, we are as enthusiastic about growing our people as we are our plants.”