Michael knew he wanted to work outdoors from an early age. His decision was influenced by his love of the low-lying sandy heathland – originally part of the  Dorset heathland commemorated in Thomas Hardy’s The Return of the Native – which was his natural playground.

After working in Dorset and neighbouring counties for many years and having studied horticulture at Kingston Maurward, Dorchester, Michael relocated his practice to Cumbria in the early 1990s.

In his spare time, Michael is an enthusiastic mountain biker and has been a Trail Centre Leader – a benchmark qualification for anyone wishing to lead groups of mountain bikers. Cyclewise Academy is based at Whinlatter Forest.

Michael: Call/text 0791-777-4775 or mail michaelpauldavies@gmail.com