By the time that Cameron Barker claimed the BALI Chalk National Landscape Student of the Year Award in 2022, he was already on the way to 10 years of planting experience. Working on a nursery and maintaining local gardens in the North West since he was at school, he kept his interest and eagerness to learn by enrolling on a Landscape Level 2 course at Myerscough College.
Graduating in 2022 with flying colours and demonstrating an impressive work ethos and industry commitment, Cameron was a clear cut winner both regionally and at the National level. He also won at the World Skills Championships, not missing a beat in continuously looking for the next big opportunity to develop his skills. Already working full-time alongside his studies by this point, it did not take him long to want to branch out on his own and in 2022, Cameron started his own business, CB Landscapes, going full time into the sole venture in 2023.
Making a difference: Career development since the Award
Since the Award, he has continued to grow a loyal client catchment from his Bolton base, expanding from grounds maintenance to a full soft and hard landscaping service. One of his gardens, the Rainbow Project, was shortlisted in 2025’s Pro Landscaper Project Awards.
With customers returning season after season for bigger and more demanding projects, Cameron has taken his business forward from fencing and paving to full blow landscape builds. For his new customers, he always highlights his credentials and the BALI Chalk Award win and for those that knew him growing up and maintaining gardens, his clients are regularly impressed by just how far his business has come.
“Winning the BALI Chalk Student Award was a real bonus at the end of my studies and strengthened my determination to develop my landscape skills and to run my own business.”
What’s next?
Now a successful domestic landscape contractor, Cameron works with sub-contractors to provide the full landscape service. “The variety keeps me keen and being your own boss means you develop at your own pace, under your own control.” he continues.
Adding to his skillset along the way, Cameron is considering joining BALI as a registered contractor, recognising the importance and value of its membership.
Why winning a BALI Chalk Student of the Year award matters
“Sharing my Award win with clients is both a badge of honour and a comfort to them that their gardens are in safe hands with me.”
Completing the full BALI circle, Cameron was mentor to our 2025 Landscape Student of the Year winner, Archie Matthews, who himself has just taken this year’s World Skills UK title.