Greg Watson
Head Gardener and Curator.
email: gw.chevithorne@gmail.com
Greg started his horticultural journey at SRUC in Edinburgh, where he completed a Bsc in Horticulture. Here, he grew a good understanding on the natural world, and still enthusiastically continues to learn about it. Having spent 3 years at a desk, Greg was keen to get stuck into the physical side of gardening. This led him to complete an internship at The MacRobert Trust in Aberdeenshire, where he could bond his theory and practical skills.
Today, Greg oversees and curates the garden and Quercus collection at Chevithorne Barton. His passion for trees and the natural world helps him guide the team towards creating and maintaining a garden full of interesting woody plants and a landscape teeming with wildlife.
John Black
As an Old Gaurdsman, John brings a millitary precision to both the lawns and the vegatable garden. Having lived and worked in Devon since 1987 John has turned his hand to everything from Police support, transport, building restoration and animal husbandry, but is probably best known for playing the bagpipes and can often be heard practicing in the gardens.
Steve Damerel
Steve has worked at Chevithorne Barton for over 30 years, he primarily focuses on the farm and buildings maintenance, yet is always ready to lend a hand when it comes to the bigger garden projects and still finds time to be a shepherd to the small flock of Jacob sheep. As a fully qualified mechanic he keeps all our mowers and tractors in good working order. He has the enviable ability to look at a bolt from 20 yards away and know exactly what size spanner you’ll need.
Shaun Ward
Having grown up in rural Dorset, Shaun started is horticultural journey as an apprentice at Kingston Maurward College. Here, he fell in love with trees and developed a keen interest in propagation. He has since completed the Level 4 Diploma at RHS Garden Wisley, where he refined his plantsmanship and learned many specialist horticultural skills. Keen to return west, Shaun joins us at Chevithorne Barton, eager to get hands on in the garden and to learn the intricacies of the oak collection.