Become a member

Your membership to the Chartered Institute of Horticulture gives you access to the only community in the industry with members from every aspect of horticulture.

Become a member and we will work with you towards achieving your professional goals, providing you with resources, help and guidance along the way.

 

We also provide an industry voice on careers, education and many other aspects that affect your career. We strive to raise the profile of horticulture with governments and policymakers by creating publications, holding events, and providing awards and bursaries to deserving projects, students, and professionals.


Pick your category and learn about the benefits

To find out what type of membership you qualify for please use the membership criteria table below. If you are having trouble fitting yourself into a category give us a call or email us and we will be happy to help.

Please note that membership subscriptions run from April 1st to March 31st. Your fee for the first year will be pro rata from when you join.

Student

For students currently working towards a horticultural qualification.

Career Builder

Open to all early-career horticulturists who have either been a Student Member of the CIH or have less than 5 years professional experience in horticulture.

Associate

For horticulturists with some industry experience and/or higher education qualifications.

Member

For horticulturists with high level qualifications and/or extended experience in the industry.

Chartered

The ultimate achievement as a horticultural professional.

Fellow

Nominated by the board for their outstanding contribution to the industry.

Upgrade

Upgrade your membership as your career develops.

An exclusive offer* to provide private medical plans for members of The Chartered Institute of Horticulture has been arranged with HMCA, including a £50 gift card or £100 off your first-year subscription upon joining a private medical plan.

If you already have a private medical plan, are you paying too much? You could save money by transferring to HMCA. Why not request a no obligation quote ahead of your renewal? You may transfer to HMCA at any age, without a medical examination and will receive guaranteed acceptance under our transfer facility.

This offer is also available to you if you do not currently have private medical cover. With hospital waiting lists at a record high, there has never been a better time to start a private medical plan.

HMCA offer four levels of private medical plans for individuals, family groups and companies as well as dental plans, hospital cash plans, travel plans and vehicle breakdown recovery. Our many years of experience ensures we have a plan to suit your needs at the best possible price.

Who are HMCA

HMCA was established over 45 years ago and has grown to be one of the most successful membership benefit providers in the UK. HMCA membership is also one of the most exclusive as our plans are only available to the members of trade, professional and membership groups and subscribers of select publications. Therefore, HMCA is not on any comparison website. You will not see HMCA advertising to the general public and this means minimal marketing costs so we can arrange comprehensive and flexible medical plans that are great value for money.

For further information and quotations contact HMCA by telephone on 01423 799949 or visit the exclusive HMCA The Chartered Institute of Horticulture website here.

HMCA/S PLC (trading as Hospital and Medical Care Association, HMCA and HMCA Members) is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN:307587). HMCA/s PLC is a company registered in England, company number: 01362094, registered office: Beech Hall, Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, HG5 0EA.

*Exclusive offer available to members of The Chartered Institute of Horticulture and other selected membership groups.

Retired Members

The Chartered Institute of Horticulture also offer a retired membership rate. If you are Chartered please see the section below. 

To qualify for retired status you must:

  • Be age 60 or over
  • Have been a member for five consecutive years prior to applying for retired membership
  • Not be engaged in any significant remunerated employment or consultancy

 

Retired Chartered Horticulturists

Retired chartered horticulturists may find it more difficult to meet the ongoing continuing professional development requirements of Chartership when no longer fully immersed in professional life. They may also not be able to justify the continuing cost of Chartership as their professional earnings decrease in retirement. 

Eligibility for this designation will be dependent upon meeting the following criteria:

  • 5 years continuous Chartered Horticulturist status, having paid the full and appropriate fee
  • Self-declaration of retirement to the secretariat cih@horticulture.org.uk, drawing no professional horticulture related income

The Retired Chartered Horticulturist designation – CHort (Rtd) – shall be conferred complimentary to those members meeting the eligibility criteria and subject to them maintaining their Retired Member or Fellow corporate membership grade. Furthermore, Retired Chartered Horticulturists will not be required to make an annual continuing professional development record submission.