From Garden Boy to Head Forester – a remarkable career spanning more than 50 years with the Walsingham Estate in Norfolk was marked with an award from the Royal Forestry Society at the Royal Norfolk Show.
David Spooner, 65, who lives in Great Walsingham, was presented with the award at the President’s Pavilion Lawn by the Deputy President of the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association, The Most Honourable the Marquess of Cholmondeley KCVO DL.
Although David joined the team as a Garden Boy in 1968 his association with the Estate dates even further back as he recalls delivering flowers from the gardens on a handcart around the village on Saturdays and during school holidays aged only 11.
David became Head Forester in 2002. He says:
“I have always loved working in the woods, doing everything from planting to felling.”
David’s son Ben is now following in his father’s footsteps as a forestry contractor.
John Downing, Resident Land Agent for Walsingham Estate says:
“David has been a greatly valued part of our Estate team for over 50 years, starting part time in the gardens and then joining the forestry team. He retires with our thanks and very best wishes. We are pleased that he will continue living on the Estate and helping out from time to time.”
Walsingham Estate has traditional mixed woodlands of around 180 acres.
