I work for the Organic Research Centre (ORC) from my base in Lower Teesdale, Co. Durham. I co-ordinate, create and edit the content (ranging from the library of resources to videos, blogs, podcasts and farmer profiles), working closely with researchers, farmers and others from within the industry.
I hold a Masters in Creative Writing and a BSc Hons in Horticulture for which I specialised in ethnobotany (global plant use) and science communication. This allowed me to explore man’s relationship with plants and how we can use resources to grow crops in ways that will benefit the crops and the larger environment. I have conducted research in a range of areas including CO2 emissions in relation to drainage of peatlands, the potential use of biochar as a soil management tool, building fertility using clover and legumes, medicinal uses of trees, and ways in which trees can be integrated into farms and farming practices.
My interest in the environment developed from a passion for growing my own, being brought up on farmland in beautiful rural Teesdale, and spending some time working on organic farms in Italy.
During time spent working at Duchy College in Cornwall, particularly on the SWARM Hub, I met and worked with inspiring, forward-thinking farmers who questioned ways of doing things and the reasons behind them, finding ways to balance the health of people, animals and the environment alongside financial necessities. I have been lucky enough to develop this further through my involvement with the Agricology project. I previously worked as a technical writer alongside the ORC research and information teams (on the LegLINK and OSCAR projects), the Institute of Organic Training and Advice (IOTA), and partners on the on-line Ecofarming information hub.