Reflections and Farewell to Grounds and Gardens Manager, Kerry Mapp

Eighteen years ago, I was fortunate enough to be given responsibility for what is, quite possibly, the most diverse school estate in the country. I have yet to come across another that can match its variety. From extensive sports facilities and formal gardens to a thriving golf course, mature parkland and riverside landscapes, the estate presents a unique blend of opportunities and challenges that make every day different.

Over nearly two decades, much has changed. Many of those changes have happened quietly behind the scenes and may have gone unnoticed by most people, but they have played a vital role in ensuring the estate continues to meet the evolving needs of the school community.

Like many departments, we have faced the challenge of delivering more with fewer resources. This has required a continual focus on efficiency, innovation and value for money. During this time, our team has reduced from thirteen members to ten, yet we now support a greater variety of sports each term, maintain more formal gardens, host increased golf activity and, yes, put up more gazebos than ever before. It is a testament to the dedication, adaptability and hard work of the team that we continue to achieve so much.

One of the most rewarding aspects of the role has been turning challenges into successes. With around 3,500 trees across the estate, safety is always a key priority. Looking back, one of my proudest achievements has been helping to minimise risk through regular inspections, careful management and preventative maintenance. Equally important has been recruiting and retaining talented people who have helped build a strong, committed and successful team.

The nature of grounds work teaches patience. Many projects offer only one or two opportunities each year to make meaningful progress, which means improvements are often measured over many seasons rather than months. It is truly a long-term endeavour. The golf course is a perfect example. Years of perseverance and consistent investment in its development have delivered significant improvements, contributing to a record level of public membership today.

What makes this estate truly special is its character and history. I have many favourite spots, but anywhere along the river is particularly memorable. Between the first and second fairways stands a line of three mature oak trees, visible from the upper reaches of the Manor House. One is hollow and another is showing its age, yet together they tell a story of a time when this was a large landed estate, with sweeping parkland and grazing cattle. Likewise, anyone who stands beneath the magnificent Plane tree behind Beaufort House and looks skyward cannot fail to appreciate the scale, beauty and majesty that nature can create. My current favourite tree has been moved from the Golf Course to the new 6^th Form Residences; it’s an Oak Tree which is quite young and will grow a lot over the years.

Of course, the future will bring new challenges. Climate change is already influencing our work in both obvious and subtle ways, requiring us to think differently about how we manage and protect the estate. At the same time, advances in robotics and automation present exciting opportunities to enhance the way we work and maintain these outstanding grounds for future generations.

Ultimately, however, Canford is about people. The estate may be beautiful, but it is the staff, pupils and wider community who make it such a remarkable place. It has been a privilege to play a part in its continued development over the last eighteen years. Canford is a special place to work because it is filled with special people.

And, as an added bonus, the lunches are pretty good too.

I would like to wish Rob Froud, new Grounds and Gardens Manager, formerly of Bryanston School, the very best of luck as he takes over the management of the grounds and gardens this summer.