Mark Fenton

About

ABOUT

I’m Mark Fenton, a Lytham-based garden designer creating outdoor spaces across Lancashire that feel considered, beautiful and genuinely usable. My work is rooted in clarity, craftsmanship and the belief that gardens should sit comfortably within their surroundings while enriching everyday life.

Every project begins with careful listening. I take time to understand the character of the site, the architecture of the home and the way clients want to live in their garden. From there, I develop coherent designs that bring together layout, materials, planting, levels, views and maintenance into a clear, buildable plan.

With more than 20 years experience across private gardens, historic landscapes and public realm projects, I bring design sensitivity and practical landscape knowledge to the process. Alongside selected private commissions, my background includes landscape architecture, parks development, regeneration and strategic landscape planning.

EXPERTISE

My training began in garden design before developing into landscape architecture. This allows me to work confidently across projects of different scales and levels of complexity. It also helps ensure each garden is imaginative, practical, realistic and capable of being delivered well.

Historic landscapes are a particular area of expertise. My wider professional work has included successful Heritage Lottery Fund applications for the restoration of Memorial Park and The Mount Garden in Fleetwood. The Mount later received the 2021 North West Branch Conservation Award from the Institute of Historic Building Conservation.
Sustainability is central to my approach. I advocate using plants suited to their setting, reusing materials where appropriate and designing gardens with realistic maintenance requirements. This helps each space mature naturally and continue to give pleasure over time.

RECOGNITION

My work and professional experience have been recognised through published articles, speaking invitations and educational support within the garden design and landscape architecture sectors. I have featured in the Society of Garden Designers Journal, supported course development at Myerscough College and been invited to speak to landscape architecture students and critique their design work.

In 2023, I opened my own garden for the National Garden Scheme, raising £1,500 for charity and welcoming more than 300 visitors. In 2024, images of gardens I designed were published in Your Outdoor Room by Manoj Malde.

QUALIFICATIONS
  • First class BA (Hons) degree in Garden Design from Myerscough College (2005)
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Landscape Architecture (Distinction) from Leeds Metropolitan University (2008)
PROFESSIONAL BODIES
  • Member of the Society of Garden + Landscape Designers (2013)
  • Federation of Small Businesses

If you are considering a new garden, reworking an existing space or looking for a clearer long-term direction for your grounds, I can help you explore what is possible and shape the right next step. Please get in touch to arrange an initial conversation.