The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has made two new appointments to its prestigious northern gardens, with Marcus Chilton-Jones stepping from Curator to Head of Site at RHS Garden Bridgewater in Greater Manchester and Samantha Prescott stepping into the role of Head of Estates North.
Marcus Chilton-Jones will move from the role of Curator, which he has held for nearly a decade and included overseeing the creation of RHS Bridgewater through the early stages of its development, to Head of Site. His new post will enable him to oversee the garden’s continuing development and steer the strategic planning of its future.
With a career spanning more than 30 years across high-profile gardens, including the National Trust and Trentham Gardens, Marcus' unparalleled knowledge of the garden and his fundamental role in the site's evolution places him in an excellent position to lead the garden into its next stages. As Head of Site, Marcus will now oversee many new exciting projects at RHS Bridgewater including the continued development of the Chinese Streamside Garden and the Yangzhou Scholar’s Garden, which is due to open in 2026.
Marcus says: “I am delighted to be taking on the role of Head of Site at RHS Garden Bridgewater. From drawing-board concept to now, a magnificent living, growing and blossoming garden that welcomes over half a million visitors each year, it has been an honour to be part of the gardens' story and to be able to take that forward in a new role”.
Samantha Prescott joins the RHS as Head of Estates North following a successful career as a Chartered RIBA Architect. Samantha is an AABC and RIBA Specialist Conservation Architect with expertise in heritage and conservation, focusing on projects in the Northwest and Yorkshire regions. Her most recent role as Studio Director at Seven Architecture Limited has seen her manage complex and sensitive projects with multiple stakeholders. Samantha’s roles have focused on sustainability, heritage, and conservation, whilst being deeply rooted in place and context, closely aligning with the values of the RHS.
Samantha says: “I am thrilled to be joining the RHS as Head of Estates North – a role that aligns with both my experience in architecture and my passion for sustainability and heritage. I’m excited to be joining the charity as it continues to develop the iconic RHS Garden Harlow Carr and RHS Garden Bridgewater.”
Commenting on the appointments, Richard Green, Director of Visitor Experience & Estates, says: “Both appointments showcase our commitment and dedication to enhancing our northern RHS Gardens. We’re thrilled that their exceptional talent, knowledge and passion will help our prestigious gardens develop and grow and look forward to welcoming Marcus and Samantha in their new roles.”
