The Cricklepit Mill garden group consists of volunteers who meet on Wednesday afternoons between 1pm and 3pm in order to maintain and 
develop the wildlife habitats in the grounds of the Mill.
For a while this task was undertaken by DWT staff in their lunch break but in order to maintain greater continuity it was decided that a volunteer Head Gardener was needed. George Barbour took on this role in November 2012 supported by Jon Madge, who volunteered as Assistant Head Gardener shortly afterwards.
George has enjoyed seeing the changes in the garden from month to month and finds working with others very rewarding. He says, ‘I never know who is going to turn up but I try to ensure that they are made to feel welcome and that they make a difference.’ Jon has found it enjoyable and rewarding and so can be relied upon to turn up whatever the weather. Peter Saunders recently moved to Exeter and is now a regular. ‘Peter is very energetic and there is no holding him back when he is wielding a mattock or spade, so we hope he stays’ adds George. Whatever someone’s capability or skill with gardening, there is always a useful task that awaits them at the garden group.
The photo above shows George (right) discussing future plans for Cricklepit’s garden with Harry Barton, Chief Executive of Devon Wildlife Trust.
