Training & Standards Officer
Emma originally qualified with a BSc in Ecology and then went on to work in a variety of community garden projects in Edinburgh including at the Edinburgh Community Backgreens Association, and Gorgie City Farm. She then returned to study, completing a Masters in Social Work and then working in an adult learning disability team in the Scottish Borders while continuing to garden at home, and as a volunteer with Gorebridge Community Gardens. After 8 years in social work the pull of therapeutic gardening was strong, and she is now self-employed running Nature on the Mind, which supports individuals and organisations to improve wellbeing through gardening and time in nature. Emma has an interest the professional development of those working in social and therapeutic gardens, the links between improved wellbeing and time spent in gardens and nature, and in academic research relating to horticultural therapy and nature-based interventions.