Daniel Puicar - Middleton Hall Trust - Head Gardener
Daniel Puicar is the Head Gardener at Middleton Hall Trust, where he oversees 42 acres of diverse landscapes, including ornamental gardens, lawns, meadows, woodlands, a dam, and multiple habitats. After life-changing surgeries due to IBD in 2021, Daniel embraced a fresh start in horticulture, securing his first gardening role in 2022. Within a year, his dedication and vision led him to become Head Gardener, driving rapid improvement across the site while leading a team of 37 volunteers and one part-time assistant.
Daniel has spearheaded a cultural transformation at Middleton Hall, replacing decades-old routines with innovation, purpose, and efficiency. He has developed clear plans for every area of the estate, reclaiming overgrown spaces, tackling invasive species such as bamboo and Himalayan balsam, and restoring neglected areas like the nine-acre dam and nature trail. His hands-on leadership and focus on volunteer training have empowered the team to take ownership and pride in the site’s ongoing development.
Under Daniel’s stewardship, Middleton Hall has achieved multiple visitor and local awards, including a High Commendation as one of three finalists for the Green Award at the BBC West Midlands Make a Difference Awards 2024. He has maximized limited resources creatively repairing equipment, creating dead hedges, producing on-site compost, fundraising over £2,000, and partnering with businesses for major projects such as public-access greenhouses.
A passionate advocate for horticulture careers, Daniel uses his platform on Instagram (@danielpuicar) to showcase the diversity of roles in the industry, inspiring volunteers, trainees, and career changers. He is committed to developing educational programs at Middleton Hall to train the next generation of horticulturists, scientists, and grounds professionals, bridging historical knowledge with modern practice.
Looking ahead, Daniel’s vision is to establish Middleton Hall as a leading horticultural destination in the Midlands. Through sustainable land management, innovative practices, and education, he aims to contribute significantly to the growth of the horticultural and grounds management sector, ensuring that new talent is nurtured and inspired for years to come.
Daniel’s story is one of resilience, leadership, and vision, transforming both a historic site and the people who care for it, while setting a benchmark for sustainable and educational excellence in the industry. Daniel’s supportive and approachable nature makes him a truly outstanding and inspirational leader in the world of horticulture. Whether you’re a seasoned volunteer or a complete novice in the world of gardening (like I was!) his patience and friendliness puts you instantly at ease. His ever-growing team of enthusiastic volunteers is a direct reflection of the positive, inclusive environment he fosters every day. What truly sets Daniel apart is his infectious enthusiasm. His passion for horticulture doesn’t just stop at the garden gates—it reaches out and inspires everyone around him. In fact, his encouragement and genuine excitement about plants inspired me to buy my very first plant, something I never imagined doing before! Daniel’s drive and hunger for learning new techniques are evident in every project he undertakes. He combines his horticultural expertise with a deep respect for the heritage of Middleton Hall, creating a visitor experience that beautifully bridges the past, present and future. His work continually draws upon the pioneering discoveries of John Ray and Francis Willughby, ensuring that their legacy lives on in the evolving story of the gardens at Middleton Hall."
Steve Davies, Site Manager - Middleton Hall Trust
