Meet the Deepdale Teams

Craig is another experienced member of the Deepdale team and has been with the company since 2017, following ten years in the Garden Centre sector.

Over the years Craig’s role has developed to Sales Manager, where he is now overseeing the sales team and the wonderful stock we are selling to our clients. His day-to-day role varies from initial requirement conversations through to planning the future tree planting. He also regularly conducts site visits and especially enjoys taking clients around our nursery. Craig’s aim is to maintain and strengthen Deepdale’s exceptional reputation.

Many staff at Deepdale reference seasonal tree changes as one of their favourite parts of the job, Craig is also a fan of the changes to foliage colours and how trees grow and mature. Of the many varieties of tree Deepdale grow, Craig is most fond of the Acer ginnala(Amur maple). Acer ginnala is always early into leaf with glossy green leaves, turning to reddish orange in Autumn.

Craig also likes the Carpinus betulus (European Hornbeam) as it is such a versatile tree that is well suited to the UK climate.

Craig's Linkedin page

Since joining Deepdale in the summer of 2017, Vicky has continued to expand on her passion for plants and develop a deep understanding of trees, her knowledge becoming a valuable asset to Deepdale. She loves working amongst the trees, enjoying the way the trees change through the seasons and even day by day.

Vicky has a large number of elements to her role, which predominantly consist of sales, quotations, assisting clients with enquiries and nursery visits. With her expansive knowledge of trees, she is always able to offer suggestions for the perfect tree to suit any location.

Vicky has chosen two trees for her favourites, one being the Parrotia persicaknown for its spectacular autumnal colour and late-winter flowers. The other is Crataegus prunifolia (Broad-leaf Cockspur Thorn), providing a beautiful show of small white flowers in the late spring clustered along the stems.

Vicky's Linkedin page

Charlotte started at Deepdale in the summer of 2021. Her role is a broad one. It includes reviewing and assisting clients enquiries, taking clients around the nursery as well as being involved in social media and online customer interactions. Charlotte also helps in creating the popular Deepdale ‘Tree of the month’.

Charlotte’s favourite tree is the Ginkgo biloba, not because of its incredible name, but because it was part of the dinosaur diet 200 million years ago. She also finds that “There’s no other workplace like Deepdale, on a nice day you can just go outside and enjoy it!”.

Charlotte's Linkedin page

Rupert has always been interested in horticulture and for the last 25 years, he has focused on improving his knowledge, in both field and container production.

Since joining Deepdale in the Spring 2024, Rupert has enjoyed getting to know our team and how we have a shared vision for raising growing standards and innovation in the UK market. The Deepdale Smits partnership is exciting and aims to lead the industry with its high standards and expansive product range. He considers it a privilege to work with such quality products and to be part of this groundbreaking collaboration.

When asked about his favourite tree, it's hard for him to choose just one. However, Deepdale's unique approach to UK native trees stands out, especially their high-grade, sculptural forms of Crataegus monogyna, Acer campestre, Betula pendula, Corylus avellana, and Carpinus betulus. This innovative presentation offers designers and architects new ways to use these historically humble British native trees in their designs.

Matthias is a well-respected figure in the UK and European tree and shrub industry, with a distinguished career that spans multiple countries and decades. He earned his Nursery master's degree in 1990 while working with Lorenz von Ehren, a renowned nursery in Europe. His expertise was further honed through managing nurseries in Germany, Italy, and the USA, and later consulting for various European nurseries.

In 2003, Matthias took on the role of Managing Director at Deepdale Trees. Over his 14-year tenure, he, alongside his team, transformed Deepdale into what it is today; one of the leading suppliers of semi-mature trees and shrubs for the professional market. After resigning as Managing Director in 2017, Matthias returned to Germany but continued his relationship with Deepdale Trees as a consultant. In this capacity, he helps procure stock from Europe, supports clients during visits, and provides valuable guidance to the current Deepdale team.

After graduating from college, with qualifications in Landscape and Garden Design David gained several years of valuable experience with a major British landscaper. In 2007 David joined the Deepdale team and has since worked in both Production and Sales. He is now our Production manager and brings to the role a breadth of knowledge and experience that is rarely seen in the industry.

David is responsible for overseeing both the production and dispatch teams, ensuring our high-quality standards and expectations are constantly upheld.

The Sorbus commixta Dodong (Japanese Rowan) is David’s favourite tree, famed for its flowers, berries and lush green foliage that turn into a fiery orange in Autumn.

David’s love of the outside extends to his favourite hobby, golf, which is one of the few times he tries to avoid trees!

Dave's Linkedin page

There are not many people that can claim to have worked at a company for over a quarter of a century, however Andrew has been with Deepdale since the very early days, having joined the fledgling company when it moved to Tithe Farm in 1997. Andrew shared the aim of making Deepdale one of the UK’s leading tree nurseries has been an integral part of meeting that goal.

There isn’t a typical working week for Andrew, as his day to day routine changes based on the weather, season and customer requirements. Much of his time is taken up organising staff, managing field, container units and deliveries, whilst always making sure the high standards that people expect from Deepdale, are adhered to.

His favourite time of year is late spring on the container unit, when the rows are full with stock, with fresh vibrant leaves. Andrew is also a fan of the end of summer and into the early autumn, when the hard work of the growing season can be seen, as Deepdale get ready to lift the field stock.

Of the many trees grown, Andrew has chosen the Liriodendron tulipifera as his favourite. Mature specimens flower in early summer, before showing off as the weather cools in the Autumn, with a display of golden yellow and coppery brown leaves. Andrew is a big fan of international Rugby and likes to take his dog, Ted, for walks along the Norfolk coastline.

Marcin is one of longest serving members of the Deepdale team, having worked for the company for over 20 years. The knowledge and experience obtained during that time is immensely helpful to both customers and other staff members alike. Marcin’s role is a busy one and he enjoys the non-stop nature of supervising the loading and unloading of delivery vehicles, together with broader tasks such as stock movement and potting.

Working with a great team of people is one of Marcin’s favourite things and despite being employed by Deepdale for so long, the days are never the same.

Marcin is a big sports fan and often swaps rootball for football, supporting Morecombe F.C. He also has a favourite tree, the Acer griseum, which is known for its unusual bark, referred to as paperbark due to the way it separates and falls away from the tree.

Sylvester, or Sly as he’s often referred to, is another of our long-term members of staff having started with Deepdale in 2005. Sly is a fan of the magnificent blooms of the Magnolia tree, which always bring a beauty to Spring.

Whilst much of the time at Deepdale is very busy, Sly copes well with loading, unloading, moving stock, potting, pruning and the many other tasks that each day brings. He commented that ‘Things can get very busy here, especially during root ball season, but it keeps things interesting and enjoyable. Seeing how the nursery has expanded and changed since 2005 has been fascinating to experience.’

Sly enjoys playing Badminton during his spare time and is a valued member of the group.

The production team at Deepdale are key to ensuring the delivery of our trees. As part of a team of four, Jamie supervises the processing of orders, together with managing inbound deliveries and has enjoyed his role since joining the company in 2020.

Whilst trees are often the star of the show, the mature shrubs grown by Deepdale are also very popular and Jamie expertly supervises the specialist machinery that is used to maintain and finally process these.

Each member of staff has a favourite tree and Jamie’s is the Castanea sativa, or sweet chestnut, which as well as producing its edible seeds also has interesting leaves and bark. When asked about his favourite elements of Deepdale life, Jamie said “Working with an interesting variety of trees and mature shrubs is a great part of my work, I also enjoy using the loading and production machinery, some of which is unique to our industry.”

Steve joined Deepdale Trees in 2007, bringing a wealth of outdoor experience to our team as he has some roots in the farming world. Steve is our main tractor driver and a skilled machine operative. He leads field production and tree lifting operations. Steve is non-stop when at work.

Steve thrives in the natural world, finding solace and inspiration among wildlife and trees. When not at work, Steve can be found enjoying the great outdoors with his four beloved dogs. Prunus serrulata Kanzan is his favoured tree at Deepdale, a symbol of his passion for nature's beauty.

Debbie joined Deepdale in the summer of 2021 and is a great asset to the administration team. Her days are varied with no two days being the same: including handling client requests, preparing their quotations and orders, dealing with payments, as well as assisting the organisation of deliveries and liaising with site contacts for the final scheduled delivery date

Debbie’s favourite tree is the Acer palmatum (Japanese Maple), a relatively small tree that was introduced to the UK around 200 years ago and is native to Japan, Korea and China. The striking colours are what Debbie likes most about the tree. Seeing these and other trees mature is rewarding for Debbie, plus with offices that literally sit among the trees, the calming environment creates a truly unique place to work.

When asked why Debbie enjoys working at Deepdale, she remarked, “Personally, I feel lucky to work here with some great people!”, a feeling that runs through the business and its general ethos.

Michael is a vastly experienced Finance Director who was recruited by Deepdale in 2015 to assist in taking the company to where it is today. His background is commercially focussed, including working with small to medium sized enterprises across the UK, Europe and further afield to enhance organisational positions, using measurable outcomes and deliverables.

His day-to-day responsibilities, whilst focussing on financials, also takes on both Human Resources and Information Technology to provide Michael with a broad and challenging role where every day is different.

Michael is ever conscious of his responsibilities as a co-owner to ensure the organisation is a success, something that includes maintaining excellent relationships with customers, suppliers, and employees.

Each of the Deepdale team were asked to choose their favourite tree and Michael has selected a wonderful shrub that is much more interesting than its name suggests! His choice is the Common Fig or Ficus carica, an extremely productive fruit bearer with a fascinating leaf, that thrives in the right conditions.

Sharon is a long-term member of the Deepdale team having joined the company in 2011, she hasn’t look back since. Sharon is another Deepdale employee who loves the beautiful office location and being surrounded by trees and wildlife.

Working at Deepdale is often described as both interesting and exciting, Sharon likes the fact that two days are never the same and always learning from the role. She plays an important role within the administration team ensuring the clients are always kept updated throughout the order process. Many clients will recognise her as she is the friendly face, warmly welcoming them to the nursery when they arrive for their client visits.

Sharon has chosen the Phillyrea angustifolia (Green Olive) as her favourite tree. It is a superb addition a garden for those who are wishing to create a Mediterranean look, thanks to its narrow dark green leaves and fragrant white flowers.

Harry joined the team in the Winter of 2024. His role is varied and incorporates an array of responsibilities, with each day being different. His main roles include stock movement, processing orders, and managing client requests. He is also one of the friendly faces who will welcome you to the nursery.

Harry particularly enjoys the tranquil office environment and being surrounded by our wonderful trees every day. His favourite tree is the Pinus sylvestris, better known as the Scots Pine, because of its distinctive bark and evergreen needles.

Harry's Linkedin page

There’s not much Mark doesn’t know about trees! Having worked at Deepdale since 2004, Mark is an integral member of the company and has significantly contributed to its success.

Mark’s day to day involves assisting customers with enquiries and managing the sales and administration teams.

This includes assisting production to ensure the requirements of the sales team are met and working with supply partners regarding stock and logistics. Deepdale Trees has grown as a company, of which Mark is key to on-going improvements and development.

Some of the many things Mark enjoys about working at Deepdale include the great team, wonderful environment and being surrounded by beautiful trees.

Meeting new people and building relationships with existing connections from many backgrounds, is what keeps Mark motivated. He commented, “I love sharing my passion for the nursery and the trees we grow. Seeing the changes in each tree throughout the seasons makes working at Deepdale an amazing experience and one where I learn something new each day.”

Mark has a favourite tree, the Cercidiphyllum japonicum, being particularly fond of its scent, leaf shape and autumn colour.

Mark's Linkedin page

My journey with trees began at the age of 13 when I started working at a tree nursery near my home in the Netherlands. This early exposure ignited a deep passion for horticulture that has only grown stronger with time.

In 1994, I took a leap of faith and planted the first seeds of what would become Smits Nursery. Over the years, with dedication and hard work, Smits Nursery flourished to over 200 hectares of production and employing a team of more than 50 committed individuals. In 2024, after decades of collaboration and mutual respect, I acquired a significant 75% stake in Deepdale Trees.

This partnership, which began more than 20 years ago as a supplier relationship, has now evolved into a shared vision for the future. Alongside Mark Godden my esteemed co-owner, we are committed to steering Deepdale Trees towards a new and successful future.

Together, Mark Godden and I are excited about the potential for collaboration between Smits Nursery and Deepdale. By combining our expertise, resources and passion for horticulture, we aim to drive innovation, expand production and enhance the quality of our offerings. Through strategic investments and a steadfast commitment to excellence, we see boundless opportunities ahead for Deepdale Trees and the customers we serve.