Garden volunteer is retiring at 80
He’s been an inspiration, says wildlife trust
An 80-year-old who has spent nearly a quarter of a century creating garden havens for visitors to Kent Wildlife Trust is hanging up his shears.
Mike Wilson, of Vinters Park, began his long volunteering stint at the conservation charity after retiring in 1993, the same year the Tyland Barn headquarters were opened in Chatham Road by the Prince of Wales.
Since then Mr Wilson has worked tirelessly in leading the volunteer gardening teams at the organisation’s visitor centres in Sandling and Sevenoaks.
As well as creating a showcase wildlife garden at Tyland Farmland and a range of habitats and mini-beast homes at Tyland Barn, he also developed the tranquil Elemental Garden at Bradbourne Vale Road in Sevenoaks, with five lakes, a mixture of habitats including ponds, seasonally flooded pools, reedbed and woodland.
Over the years, he has also served as trustee, honorary warden, vice-president and Wild About Gardens Awards adviser.
Carly Whyborn, volunteer development officer for Kent Wildlife Trust, said: “What an amazing volunteer Mike is – a rare talent who is leaving a remarkable legacy, which will continue to bring immense benefits to Kent’s wildlife and huge pleasure for our visitors.”
John Bennett, chief executive, added: “Mike is an inspiration to so many and epitomises all that’s wonderful about our volunteers. I never cease to be impressed with his work rate and the extraordinary magic he weaves in our gardens.”
The trust is now searching for Mr Wilson’s successor and are appealing for people with a background in horticulture to get in touch.
The charity relies on volunteers, who last year donated more than 98,000 hours of work across the nature reserves, visitor centres and other departments.
For more on volunteering, visit kentwildlifetrust.org.uk or call 01622 662012