Introduction
Michael Walker
National Gardens Specialist Ltd.
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My experience
I’ve worked in the historic garden sector for 30 years, I’m a chartered member and fellow of the Chartered Institute of Horticulture.
For 15 years I have overseen the regeneration of the garden and landscape at Trentham Gardens and Estate, increasing visitor numbers from 100k to 750k+ per year, making it the UK’s 4th most visited pay for entry garden, and winning BBC Countryfile “Garden of the Year Award”. Prior to this, I was Gardens Manager for Lord Rothschild at Waddesdon Manor for 9 years.
I have experience of realising the schemes of world-class garden and landscape designers including Tom Stuart-Smith (multi award-winning Chelsea Flower Show designer), Piet Oudolf (New York High Line), Professor Nigel Dunnett (London 2012 Olympic Park landscape designer), David Hicks (garden designer), and Oscar de la Renta (international fashion designer).
I am a highly-respected and experienced gardens consultant offering specialist landscape and gardens management and business expertise. I have extensive experience in professional horticulture and gardening, including management of gardens teams, curatorship of historic and botanic gardens, landscapes, the enhancement of visitor experience.and the commercial development and management of gardens open to the public.
I have a reputation for developing award-winning results, generating growth, and delivering very high standards in a demanding and often competitive situation. I do so by supporting people to work together to jointly understand and develop the asset of the garden, integrated into the place as a whole.
Professionally connected.
Past Chairman of the "National Trust Gardens Panel" and current member of the NT “Historic Environment Advisory Group” and "Design Advice Forum".
Hon’ Vice President of the Professional Gardens Guild; Member of the European Gardens Heritage Network (EGHN) - European Awards Jury; Trustee of Staffordshire Wildlife Trust; Committee Member of RHS Bursaries.
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