SPOTLIGHT: Groundsman - Matt Gare
MATT GARE - groundsman
Tell us a little about yourself and your business?
Coming from an education and mental health background I retrained seven years ago in environmental conservation and land management. Through volunteer experience, a heritage lottery funded training programme, and several positions in the outdoor sector, I am now a self-employed gardener and landscaper. Originally from the small island of Jersey, I love the wide range of landscapes here in Devon and have been fortunate to work for several local councils, property management companies, Historic England and charities like The Conservation Volunteers and The Dame Hannah Rogers Trust. I am interested in all forms of practical conservation work, garden maintenance and volunteer management.
What is your role here at the Italian Garden?
I am the Groundsman here at The Italian Garden. I carry out garden maintenance and tree work at the garden and lead a weekly volunteer team of gardeners in practical restoration work. There is a definite vision behind how the garden should be restored and preserved and my role is to harness the massive enthusiasm and hard work of our volunteers to turn that vision into a reality.
I also make the tea, keep the volunteers in penguin biscuits and can usually be found dragging dumpy bags full of green waste to the nearest bonfire. Up until recently I worked mostly alone at the garden so it’s been great to work alongside all the keen new volunteers!
Why have you decided to become a friend of the Italian Garden?
I was introduced to the garden while working for a local charity. I led a volunteer group on behalf of The Dame Hannah Rogers Trust who sadly no longer operate in the local area. Having carried out maintenance work at the garden for several years I was pleased and excited that Stephanie and Kim wanted to keep me on as a gardener and volunteer leader. I feel privileged to be working at such a historic and beautiful garden.
“I feel privileged to be working at such a historic and beautiful garden”
Now for something playful, share with us your perfect day out/hobbies/where we can find you when you’re not working etc?
I am often to be found in the woods looking for the perfect mountain bike trail! A perfect day would involve countryside, a bike ride with my wife and six year old daughter and quite possibly a beer garden at the end! I also love to make homemade pizza and enjoy working on older cars and bikes. Definitely a country mouse, most of what I enjoy occurs in a rural setting!
Want to know more about Matt, you can contact him below
EMAIL: mattgare@hotmail.com