Imogen Jackson BSc (Hons) Psychology MBPsS ACIHort

I am a horticultural therapist, trained in horticulture and environmental conservation, currently working within an NHS psychiatric hospital setting. I work with adults, adolescents and children with a variety of mental health problems, including severe and enduring eating disorders, psychosis, autism spectrum disorders and personality disorders.

Over the last 30 years I have worked within various community and charity organisations, including Mind and the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers, incorporating a love for the natural world and a passion for empowering individuals and introducing them to the multitude of benefits gained from engaging with wildlife.

Poppy Hurst Ba Hons, I.S.T.D, RHS Theory of Horticulture, Apprenticeship in Organic Growing

I am currently working in a outdoor education in a forest school environment, providing a Horticultural Intervention for young offenders and teens with complex behaviours and learning difficulties, who have been expelled from main stream education. I have been working with many different groups of people of all ages within horticulture for 5 years using the natural environment to heal, teach and develop vocational and personal skills. I have a passion for being in nature and have had personal experience of the benefits of nature based therapy through the work I do.

Molly Browne BSc Physiotherapy, MRes Musculoskeletal Health and Ageing

I am a trained physiotherapist, with experience in a variety of settings including pediatric hospice care and elderly rehabilitation. I am currently working towards a PhD at Coventry University, looking at the impact of engagement with outdoor environments, and outdoor/nature-based activity on the physical function and mental well-being of older adults living with dementia. I am passionate about improving ageing through physical activity, to promote independence and maintenance of physical function. I am particularly interested in the role that outdoor environments such as gardens can play in UK care homes, and as part of my PhD I will be working closely with a care home group in Warwickshire.

Eddie Hibbert-Hingston BSc Politics and International Relations

I have ten years experience working with children and families in varying states of distress and trauma, and used STH informally throughout this time. I observed the transformative effects of being outside, surrounded by plants and fresh air and all kinds of weather both in the lives of the children in my care and in my own experience.

I am currently working towards an MSc in Social and Therapeutic Horticulture whilst volunteering at a community farm in an inner city environment on the South Coast. I am particularly interested in the potential of STH to help treat maternal mental ill health as it intersects with poverty, trauma and substance dependence.