Gardening volunteer
“I have been volunteering at the park since July 2025
“I drove past the park on my daily commute to work in Carmarthen for many years, and occasionally called in. I was always impressed with the peaceful feeling here, the sense of history and the beauty of the buildings, trees and views. I always thought it was a special – unique – place.
“Soon after retiring from full-time work, I bumped into Yvonne, the Assistant Head Gardener on a cycle ride to the Park and got talking about her work there and the plans for development of the garden. That gave me the idea of volunteering – it is something that I want to be a part of.”
What you enjoy in your volunteering role and why?
“Lots! Spending quality time in a very beautiful, peaceful environment. Meeting new people, who are all great. Getting fresh air and exercise. Picking the brains of expert gardeners and learning a lot.
“Hopefully giving something back to the community and doing a bit to help maintain and further develop this wonderful place.
“I also like to see and sometimes talk to the many people who visit the Park, and particularly their dogs! Everyone who goes there is happy.
“I’m a vet, recently retired from full-time work. I’ve been lucky to have had a varied and exciting career and worked in some interesting parts of the world. Most recently in West Wales.
“I’ve always been involved in gardening – from helping grandparents as a child to ending up – very unprepared – with a large plot of my own. My gardening has been mainly learning from mistakes, which is why seeing how it should be done, at the park is so enjoyable.”
Volunteer Stories – Gavin Watkins
Posted: 10/06/2026 by Anne
Gardening volunteer
“I have been volunteering at the park since July 2025
“I drove past the park on my daily commute to work in Carmarthen for many years, and occasionally called in. I was always impressed with the peaceful feeling here, the sense of history and the beauty of the buildings, trees and views. I always thought it was a special – unique – place.
“Soon after retiring from full-time work, I bumped into Yvonne, the Assistant Head Gardener on a cycle ride to the Park and got talking about her work there and the plans for development of the garden. That gave me the idea of volunteering – it is something that I want to be a part of.”
What you enjoy in your volunteering role and why?
“Lots! Spending quality time in a very beautiful, peaceful environment. Meeting new people, who are all great. Getting fresh air and exercise. Picking the brains of expert gardeners and learning a lot.
“Hopefully giving something back to the community and doing a bit to help maintain and further develop this wonderful place.
“I also like to see and sometimes talk to the many people who visit the Park, and particularly their dogs! Everyone who goes there is happy.
“I’m a vet, recently retired from full-time work. I’ve been lucky to have had a varied and exciting career and worked in some interesting parts of the world. Most recently in West Wales.
“I’ve always been involved in gardening – from helping grandparents as a child to ending up – very unprepared – with a large plot of my own. My gardening has been mainly learning from mistakes, which is why seeing how it should be done, at the park is so enjoyable.”
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