We are Wessex Grounds Services
The WGS team has expertise and experience in landscape design, grounds maintenance, consultancy and horticulture and all our employees are highly qualified and accredited in their respective fields. With over thirty years of collective experience, we will work alongside you to improve your site.
Due to the abnormal times that we are all experiencing we offer you our Covid-19 policy statement and operational risk assessment/method statement (RAMS).
With offices in Milborne St, Andrew, Wimborne and Weymouth, we provide our services throughout Dorset and we also install and maintain synthetic surfacing across the South West of England from Devon and Cornwall to Somerset, Wiltshire and Hampshire.
Stephen Harris – OWNER
Stephen Harris MIHort, MCMI, F.ALM, is the Managing Director and founder of Wessex Grounds Services Ltd, has a strong profile in the horticultural industry and was previously elected as Regional Director of the Institute of Groundsmanship and Regional Chairman of The Association of Landscape Management. Stephen is currently link governor for horticulture and also health and safety at Kingston Maurward College.
Qualified to degree level in horticulture, Stephen understands the technical and scientific aspects of amenity horticulture. He has an IOSH qualification in health & safety, has undertaken training in quality assurance, is a trained assessor for the EFQM Excellence Model and has been an Environmental Services Emergency Planning Liaison Officer. Stephen recently completed a level 5 qualification in Leadership and Management with the Chartered Management Institute.

The Leadership Team
Amanda Hanger
OFFICE MANAGER
I worked for a local private training provider for 15 years where I saw the business grow from 13 to 300 staff and expand nationally. Throughout this time I gained valuable knowledge and experience in the training industry, including undertaking roles as Office Manager and as Finance and HR Manager as part of the Senior Management Team. I joined WGS in April 2014 to work more locally as the company offered flexibility and a dynamic and professional approach with a clear aspiration “to go above and beyond” which impressed me. I felt excited to join a fresh new company and be part of their journey to grow and succeed. My current role is Office Manager, which involves looking after the company finances, liaising with schools/customers, working with the operations team to ensure jobs/work programmes run smoothly, HR/recruitment/payroll, marketing and general office administration.
Mark Parfett
LANDSCAPE SUPERVISOR
I joined WGS when the company formed in April 2013 after previously working with Steve Harris at Dorset County Council. I have over thirty years experience in Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance. My development in the company has been varied and my current role is Landscape Supervisor. I spent many years overseeing the Poundbury Duchy of Cornwall development and greatly enjoyed that role. I have recently been involved in a big tree planting project in Bath and also a project for Historic England at Came Down in Dorchester. I am happy to be working for WGS and have seen the company go from strength to strength.
Nigel Beckett
BUSINESS SUPPORT OFFICER
I have nearly forty years experience working in the public sector in a variety of disciplines including education, building services, finance and grounds services. My role in grounds services was initially in administration, but soon developed to include a customer liaison role. I was a contact for schools, corporate Council sites, town and parish Councils and external contracts with NHS, Dorset Fire and Rescue and Dorset Police. In this role I found a position I enjoyed, providing help and assistance, and I look forward to carrying this on with clients of Wessex Grounds Services. WGS have developed a very close working relationship with The Land Trust and carry out routine grounds maintenance over a large proportion of Osprey Quay, Portland. In April 2018, The Land Trust were so impressed with our commitment and professionalism that I was appointed as a Managing Agent carrying out facility management duties at Osprey Quay.
Graeme Mitchley
GROUNDS MAINTENANCE SUPERVISOR - EAST
I am an experienced professional in the sports turf management industry with over 14 years of experience in various roles. Throughout my career, I've honed my expertise in construction, maintenance, and project management, consistently exceeding customer expectations and delivering high-quality results. I possess a proven track record of leading and motivating teams. As a Contracts Manager, I effectively managed a team of 21 personnel, fostering a positive work environment and ensuring efficient project execution. My passion for sports turf management is evident in my dedication to achieving exceptional results. I take pride in having contributed to the successful construction and maintenance of training facilities for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, a project demanding meticulous attention to detail and adherence to strict standards. Additionally, I maintained consistently high standards for prestigious clients in South Africa, including facilities used by the South African Premier League. I joined WGS as the East Area Supervisor in 2021, I am a firm believer in continuous improvement and am thrilled to be part of a team at WGS that shares this value. Here, I actively contribute to elevating the standards for both customer and staff satisfaction. I am immensely proud of the accomplishments we've achieved together and remain dedicated to playing a key role in the continued success of WGS.
Tristan Park
GROUNDS MAINTENANCE SUPERVISOR - WEST
I began working for Wessex Grounds Services in 2013. Working up the ladder my initial role was as a Grounds Operative, followed by Team Leader, then Grounds Foreman, leading to my current role as Grounds Supervisor West.
Whilst still assisting 'hands on', I also oversee the day to day running of the Grounds Maintenance Operations.
This includes working closely with the Grounds/Gardening teams, Tractor Operative and Maintenance Technician to provide safe, efficient and effective services to the West Dorset, South Somerset areas