The National Botanic Garden of Wales has announced significant changes to its Board of Trustees, with Chair Gary Davies stepping down after 8 years in the role.
Gary, who joined the Garden as its first marketing director from 1997-2001 before returning as Chair in 2017, has guided the organisation through a transformative period. Under his board leadership, the Garden completed its ambitious 5-year Regency Restoration Project, navigated the challenges of the pandemic, and celebrated its 25th anniversary.
Current trustee Tim Jones will take on the role of interim Chair as the Garden begins the search for a permanent successor.
Gary Davies said:
“My connection to the Garden spans over four decades, from those early days as marketing director to these past eight years as Chair. It’s been a joy to watch it grow and evolve. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together—particularly how we’ve strengthened the Garden’s role as a centre for conservation, education, and community engagement. I have every confidence in the future under new leadership.”
Director Dr Lucy Sutherland paid tribute to Gary’s leadership: “Gary has been instrumental in shaping the Garden’s success over the past eight years. His vision, dedication, and unwavering commitment have helped us achieve remarkable milestones and navigate unprecedented challenges. On behalf of everyone at the Garden, I extend our deepest thanks for his exceptional service and lasting impact on our organisation.”
Dr Mike Woods is also stepping down from the Board, and the organisation extends its thanks for his service and contribution.
The Board changes come as the Garden announces the appointment of six new Trustees who bring fresh expertise and experience to help guide the organisation through its next chapter.
They are Sharon Davies-Smith, College Director, Principal and COO of The College, Swansea University; Samia al Qadhi, leadership consultant with over 30 years’ experience in the voluntary and public sectors; Dr Tomos Dafydd Davies, who has served as a Trustee of the National Library of Wales and member of the Deputy First Minister’s Innovating Democracy Advisory Group; John Lloyd-Jones MBE, who brings over 40 years of financial services experience and was awarded an MBE in 2024 for his charitable work; Emma Evans, Communications and Marketing Director at Cheltenham Ladies College and former Chief Marketing Officer at the Eden Project; and Ross Burnett, Director of Business Development at Arts Council England.
All are either based in Wales or have strong Welsh connections, and several are Welsh speakers.
The Botanic Garden is a charity, governed by a Board of Trustees. The position of Trustee is voluntary and, together, their role is to support the Director in implementing the organisation’s vision and strategy.
The new appointments join existing Trustees on the board, Emma Burns, Lisa Childs, Professor Iain Donnison, Tim Jones, Dr Helen Matthews, Karen Miles, Dr Paul Smith and Adam Taylor. For more information on the trustees go to https://botanicgarden.wales/about-the-garden/trustees/
The National Botanic Garden of Wales, in Llanarthne, Carmarthenshire, opened in May 2000, and is dedicated to the research and conservation of biodiversity, to sustainability, lifelong learning and the enjoyment of the visitor.