Meet the Team

Neil Wild is the Founder and Managing Director of Landywood Landscapes Limited, which he established in 2004 and incorporated in 2006. With a background as an engineer in the house-building industry, Neil identified a local demand for reliable, high-quality, and affordable gardening services, leading to the launch of his own business.

He holds ONC and HNC qualifications in Building Studies and has furthered his expertise with a Royal Horticultural Society course. Neil is a fully trained operator in chainsaw use, pesticide application (PA1/PA6), grass machinery, forklift operation, and various handheld equipment. He also holds CSCS and ROLO certifications.

Neil is passionate about delivering exceptional service and takes pride in fostering a friendly and supportive work environment for his dedicated team. His belief that motivation drives quality is central to the company’s ethos.

Matthew Walklate joined the Landywood team in November 2021 as a Landscaping Operative, bringing with him a strong background in industrial cladding, where he successfully led teams on projects across the country. His proven leadership skills, professional attitude, and hands-on approach quickly set him apart. Within just 12 months, Matthew was promoted first to Landscaping Team Leader and then to Contracts Manager.

In his current role, Matthew oversees the day-to-day operations of the landscaping team across the Midlands, ensuring projects are delivered efficiently, to a high standard, and with a strong focus on client satisfaction. His attention to detail, ability to motivate teams, and commitment to operational excellence have made him a key figure within the business.

Matthew holds a range of industry-relevant qualifications, including a Forklift License, Avant License, SSSTS, CSCS, ROLO, and First Aid certification. He is also actively working towards achieving his CSCS Black Supervisor Card to further his professional development.

With his extensive experience in team leadership, a strong work ethic, and a client-focused mindset, Matthew plays a vital role in maintaining the high standards and reputation of Landywood. He works tirelessly to ensure that sites run smoothly, staff are supported, and clients are informed, engaged, and satisfied with the service delivered.

Michael Del-Giudice joined Landywood in July 2015 as a trainee and has consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication and competence throughout his career. Over the years, he has become fully qualified across all facets of grounds maintenance and tree surgery, earning certifications and expertise in a wide range of specialized areas including chainsaw operation (both under and over 380mm), aerial rescue, safe dismantling of trees through rigging operations, and chainsaw use in trees and mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs).

Michael’s comprehensive skill set extends to operating stump grinders, MEWPs, woodchippers, and grass machinery, as well as proficiency in pesticide applications and horticulture and arboriculture Level 2 certifications. He also holds multiple professional qualifications such as CSCS, ROLO, Forklift License, Avant Loadall training, and First Aid certification.

His strong work ethic and commitment to excellence have earned him a promotion to Contracts Manager, where he plays a vital role in supporting the continued growth and success of Landywood. Michael is currently furthering his professional development by pursuing SSSTS and SMSTS certifications to enhance his skills in site safety and management.

Dean brings over 25 years of experience in the grounds maintenance and landscaping industry, with a career that has developed from hands-on operational work through to senior management roles.

Starting his career as an operative, Dean progressed through the ranks to become Team Leader, Senior Team Leader, Foreman, Operations Manager, and ultimately Contracts Manager, working with well-known industry organisations including Spacecare and Nurture. This journey has given him a deep understanding of both the practical and strategic aspects of delivering high-quality landscape and grounds maintenance services.

Dean is known for his strong leadership, effective team management, and commitment to excellent service delivery. He prides himself on maintaining strong relationships with clients while ensuring projects are delivered safely, efficiently, and to the highest standards.

He holds a range of professional qualifications and certifications, including:

• PA1 & PA6 Spraying Certificates

• CS30 & CS31 Chainsaw Certification

• Chipper Operation

• Basic Tree Inspection

• IOSH Managing Safely

• Fire Marshal

• Lantra Pole Saw

• CSCS Card

Outside of work, Dean is an avid golf enthusiast, enjoying both playing the game and following it closely.

Lucie joined our team in 2020, bringing with her a diverse and accomplished background. Before joining us, she enjoyed a successful career as a Personal Assistant and Marketing Manager at a Staffordshire school. Prior to that, Lucie worked as a Finance Officer at Staffordshire University, where she also earned her Level 2 Accountancy qualification (AAT). Her extensive experience in finance, combined with her strong organizational skills, makes her exceptionally well-equipped to manage the Landywood Office with efficiency and professionalism.

James Morrisson joined our team in November 2022, bringing with him six years of prior experience in the arboriculture and landscaping industry. Highly skilled and dependable, James is known for his strong work ethic and commitment to delivering high-quality results.

He holds a wide range of industry qualifications, including chainsaw use for timber over 380mm, stump grinding, CSCS, ROLO, and MEWP (Mobile Elevating Work Platform). James is also certified in aerial rescue and chainsaw use in a tree, making him a fully qualified climber. In addition, he is a trained Avant multi-loader operator, having gained his competency through our in-house training programme.

A hard-working individual who gives his all, James continues to be a valued and versatile member of the team.

Cale Luker joined Landywood in early March, bringing with him a solid background in both arboriculture and customer-facing roles. Prior to this, he spent two years working as a tree surgeon with a company based in Penkridge, where he developed hands-on experience in tree care and maintenance.

In 2022, Cale further enhanced his skill set by completing professional chainsaw training with a local company, strengthening his technical capabilities and commitment to safe working practices. He is currently working towards his CSCS card and an NVQ Level 2 qualification in Bricklaying, demonstrating his ongoing commitment to developing his skills within the construction and outdoor sectors.

Earlier in his career, Cale worked in bar service in Cannock for two years, gaining valuable experience in teamwork, communication, and working in fast-paced environments.

Outside of work, Cale enjoys playing golf and carp fishing.

We are hiring.

Great rates of pay

29 days holiday

Training given

Bonus scheme

Pension scheme

Cycle to work scheme

Employee of the month reward scheme

Give us a call if you have what it takes.  Experience necessary

Tom Steventon joined Landywood as our Landscaping Team Leader in January 2025, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a strong leadership background. Prior to joining us, Tom held a successful Team Leader role at Perennial Landscapes, where he consistently delivered high-quality projects and team performance.

Tom began his career with hands-on training at Jack Moody Landscapes and further developed his skills with a local groundworks company, gaining valuable experience across a range of landscaping and construction disciplines.

He holds key industry certifications including CSCS, SSSTS, and First Aid, ensuring he leads by example when it comes to safety and professionalism on site. Tom is currently enhancing his skill set further through training on the Avant multi loader, demonstrating his ongoing commitment to growth and excellence in his role.

Arron Lucas joined the team in March 2026, bringing with him several years of experience gained at a large corporation, along with a strong practical skillset and a passion for outdoor work.

Arron is trained in chainsaw use and maintenance, including the safe felling of trees up to 15 metres. He also holds an abrasive wheels qualification, covering the use of angle grinders and circular cutters, ensuring work is carried out efficiently and to a high safety standard.

He completed a two-year horticulture course at Pershore College, where he developed a broad range of skills including patio installation, dry stone walling, fencing, turfing, and plant care, alongside gaining knowledge of plant identification and Latin naming.

Arron is currently working towards his CSCS card and holds Class 1, Class 2, and H licences, adding valuable versatility to the team.

Aaron Walker joined Landywood in January 2025 as a Landscaping Operative, working closely under the guidance of Team Leader Tom Steventon. With eight years of specialist experience as a fencer at Profence, Aaron brings a strong skill set and a practical, hands-on approach to the team.

His expertise in fencing, alongside colleague Mathias, positions Landywood to confidently expand into this area of the industry—an exciting development on the horizon.

Aaron holds a valid CSCS card and driving licence, and is known for his reliability, work ethic, and team spirit. Outside of work, Aaron is passionate about football, boxing, and cage fighting, actively following and participating in all three during his spare time.

Mathias Blakeway (Bub) joined Landywood in mid-January 2025 as a Landscaping Operative, working alongside Team Leader Tom Steventon and fellow operative Aaron Walker. With several years of hands-on experience as a trained fencer at Profence, Mathias brings valuable industry knowledge and practical expertise to the team.

His background in fencing, combined with Aaron’s, positions Landywood to confidently expand into fencing services—an exciting step in the continued growth of our landscaping division.

Mathias is a hardworking, dependable team member whose specialist skills make him a strong asset as we develop our capabilities in both landscaping and fencing.

Reece joined Landywood in October 2025.  Reece is a skilled construction professional with over five years of experience as a labourer and bricklayer. He previously worked as a subcontractor fitting water meters for Severn Trent, bringing a strong understanding of site operations and utility work. Reece is Streetworks qualified and holds a valid CSCS card, with additional training in manual handling and asbestos awareness. His broad experience within the construction industry translates seamlessly into landscaping work, where his practical skills, reliability, and attention to detail are key strengths. Outside of work, Reece is a dedicated powerlifter, reflecting his discipline, strength, and commitment to high performance.

Liam joined Landywood Landscapes in February 2026, bringing with him a strong work ethic, hands-on experience, and a passion for practical, high-quality work.

Before moving into landscaping, Liam spent 13 years working at Dell Factor, where he began his career through an apprenticeship in the warehouse. During this time, he gained valuable qualifications and developed a solid foundation in logistics and organisation. His responsibilities included picking and checking orders, managing stock, and handling deliveries. He later progressed into a driving role, where he was trusted to plan and manage his own daily routes—demonstrating reliability, independence, and strong problem-solving skills.

Outside of work, Liam has a real passion for building and improving spaces. He purchased a renovation project and has been transforming it himself, taking on everything from flooring and plasterboarding to loft boarding and full garden renovations. This hands-on experience reflects his attention to detail and pride in delivering quality results.

Liam is also a keen motorsport enthusiast, having ridden motocross since the age of six. He enjoys adrenaline-fuelled activities and has a strong interest in cars—bringing the same energy and drive into his work every day.

Stuart Smart joined Landywood in January 2020, bringing valuable experience from his time with Cannock Chase District Council’s Maintenance Team. Since then, Stuart has become a key member of our operations, known for his reliability, versatility, and hands-on expertise.

He holds a wide range of industry qualifications, including chainsaw use (>380mm), stump grinders, grass machinery, handheld equipment, woodchipper operation, Avant Loadall and forklift licenses, as well as CSCS, ROLO, and First Aid certifications. Stuart’s extensive skill set makes him an essential asset to the Landywood team.

Phil O’Brien joined Landywood in August 2024 after relocating from Gloucester, where he worked as a Garden Maintenance Supervisor. With a strong background in both commercial and private grounds maintenance—particularly for high-end clients across London and the surrounding areas—Phil brings a high level of professionalism and horticultural expertise to the team.

He holds a 2:1 BSc (Hons) in Horticulture from Writtle College, Chelmsford, and his wealth of experience makes him an ideal fit for his role as Team Leader at Landywood.

Louise Tenn joined Landywood in August 2021 straight from Rodbaston College, bringing fresh enthusiasm and a strong foundation in horticulture. Her dedication and hard work led to a promotion to Senior Operative in August 2022, and most recently to Team Leader in March 2025.

Louise is trained to Level 2 in Horticulture and holds certifications in the safe use of pesticides, woodchipper operation, grass machinery, handheld equipment, as well as CSCS, ROLO, and First Aid. Her commitment, skillset, and leadership make her a valued member of the Landywood team.

Craig East is a skilled Grounds Maintenance Operative who joined the team in March 2026, bringing over five years of industry experience and a strong track record of progression.

Craig began his career with Spacecare in 2020, where his commitment and work ethic quickly saw him promoted to Team Leader, and subsequently to Foreman. Following the transition to Nurture in 2024, he was further promoted to Contract Supervisor, reflecting his leadership ability and in-depth knowledge of grounds maintenance operations.

He holds PA1 & PA6 certifications for the safe application of pesticides and is fully competent in operating ride-on mowers and a wide range of hand-held equipment. Craig also has First Aid and IOSH qualifications and is currently working towards his CSCS certification, demonstrating his ongoing commitment to safety, professionalism, and continuous development.

Keen to further develop his skills, Craig is enthusiastic about gaining additional certifications and tickets to broaden his expertise within the industry.

Outside of work, Craig enjoys spending time with his children and keeps active through walking, skateboarding, and playing golf.

Joey has been working in landscaping and Grounds maintenance for three years, and his passion for the trade continues to grow. He holds a Green CSCS card and has gained plenty of experience in both landscaping and maintenance work. A hands-on member of the team, Joey is always eager to learn new skills, especially when it comes to operating machinery.

Outside of work, Joey enjoys exploring the outdoors—whether it’s woodlands or rivers—as he’s always on the lookout for his next fishing trip.

Tom Bent joined our team in mid-July 2025 as a Yardman, bringing with him extensive experience in the garden buildings and property maintenance sectors. Prior to joining us, Tom held a variety of roles within the industry, including a position at UK Garden Buildings, where he gained valuable insight into materials handling, logistics, and customer service. He also successfully ran his own property maintenance business for five years, demonstrating strong initiative, problem-solving skills, and a hands-on approach to a wide range of tasks.

Tom holds a full UK driving licence and is qualified to operate a counterbalance forklift truck (FLT), further enhancing his versatility and value to the team. His practical skill set, reliability, and work ethic make him a key asset in the day-to-day operations of our yard.