Trimmer in training

Apprentice gardener Jordan Share is powering through his on-site training after getting some top tips on using power tools.

The 19-year-old gardening team member has just used hedge trimmers to tidy beech trees and the off cuts will provide tasty treats for our giraffes all winter.

Jordan, from Kingswinford, joined Dudley Zoo two years ago and spent three days a week on site while studying Horticulture through BMet.

He is now a full time member of the team working as a trainee and helps keep the 40-acre landscaped site and its 2.2km of roads and pathways looking neat and tidy.

Head Gardener Carl Stevens said: “Jordan has picked up a lot of new skills over the last couple of years and is a hardworking member of the team.

“He has just finished cutting some beech hedges on the lower site under the guidance of Anthony Gwilt and Connor Waldron, as he had to have two trained operatives with him.

“The beech branches will now be stored in airtight containers to keep the leaves crisp and fresh for our giraffes throughout the winter.”