"Art & the great outdoors has always fascinated me. As a teenager I enjoyed using oils, clay, and acrylics as well as exploring the natural world. Becoming a garden designer and developing an increasing awareness of the demands of climate change have been a natural progression for me.”

In my early 20s, I travelled and worked in Australia. There I developed an interest in plants and landscaping, spending time as a stonemason's assistant. I went on to learn practical hard landscaping skills such as bricklaying, flint walling and timberwork for gardens.

After going to Sparsholt College to study horticulture as a mature student (where I later taught), I started a landscaping business in Hampshire. Designing soon became a part of the process, linking my interest in art and my admiration for contemporary practitioners such as John Brookes and Andy Goldsworthy. I furthered my studies at the then Thames Polytechnic being drawn to the impact of colour in the environment on the BA Landscape Architecture course.

Working for Hampshire County Council and Learning Through Landscapes, I soon became involved in pioneering ideas for play and environmental education areas.

Over the past 10 years I have concentrated on working on private gardens including ones of historic interest, where I have developed a reputation for seeing projects through from design to completion. I enjoy the challenge of the small urban garden as much as a country garden and heritage sites, often working with a small gardening team to achieve the best results.

My creative passions include playing guitar, keyboards, songwriting, art history and photography. I look forward to hearing from you to discuss your ideas and your vision.

Will Ridpath