My wild life started before I was old enough to walk, being regularly taken by my mother across the Epsom Downs to enjoy fresh air. Moving to rural Staffordshire aged 3, I was incredibly lucky to grow up surrounded by nature. My childhood was spent exploring quiet country lanes, learning about the wildflowers, shrubs and trees which lined the lanes and watching fish in the river close to our house.
After University, and feeling drawn back to the countryside, I started a course in practical environmental skills.
Since then, I've worked in a number of roles across Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire focused on connecting people with nature. I’ve been proud to work alongside community groups supporting new Local Nature Reserves in Nottinghamshire and the creation of new woodlands and habitat linkages. Lockdown made us all realise the importance of access to nature for physical and mental wellbeing. It is vital that we do not take it for granted.