What is your job title and how long have you worked at Loughborough?

I’m Assistant Gardens Manager and I’ve worked here 16 months.

Tell us what a typical day looks like for you?

My days are very varied. It always starts with a meeting of the Gardens Team in the yard to discuss their work for the day. Then I can often be working on a number of different projects. I always bring a strong theme of enhancing biodiversity to these projects. I am currently re-writing our Green Flag Management Plan to incorporate more initiatives that create space for nature. I am very keen on connecting people with the outdoors and green spaces and have developed a number of activities that connect people with the campus space. Examples include The Bluebell Walk, Christmas in the Wood and the Dawn Chorus at Burleigh Woods.

I also want to involve people in the management of the campus, whether that is through surveying the wildlife (we have staff and students who survey butterflies and bumblebees) or practical volunteering (LSU Action does conservation work in the woods).

As part of my daily duties, I consult on tree-related issues. My general modus operandi is to defend the tree’s interests whilst balancing people’s health and safety. I am trying to change people’s views of trees to be more respectful of the room they need at the end of their lives. Hopefully, you will start to see more standing dead trees and less than picture-perfect specimens that are absolutely amazing for campus wildlife. My job does have a few more mundane functions, such as safety tours, checking fuel tanks, etc. Whilst these are less glamorous, they are critical to the safe operations of the Gardens Team.

I think I have joined at a very exciting time with the development of a new vision for the campus, one rich in wildlife and functioning ecosystems. I am proud to play my part in developing this goal.

What’s your favourite project you’ve worked on?

I’m spoilt for choice! However, I think the best project I led was Christmas in the Wood. This was born out of a desire to connect people with natural spaces to increase mental and physical wellbeing. I organised a poetry and music recital in Burleigh Wood with a festive theme and we enjoyed mince pies, mulled wine and gingerbread. One of the gardeners created willow sculptures of the nativity and other staff and students volunteered their talents to make the whole thing incredible. I also delivered a talk on the history of Christmas trees.

We had about 40 attendees and everyone commented on how good and different it was. I wanted to demonstrate that on virtually no budget, you could draw on the talents within the University to provide a low-impact celebration. The weather was extremely kind to us and left everyone with a fuss-free start to Christmas.

What is your proudest moment at Loughborough?

Being appointed Assistant Gardens Manager. I started at the University in January 2022 as the Arborist but 13 months later I was successful in stepping up to this new role. I am a fast learner and love to continually improve myself, and what I can offer Loughborough University.

I am excited by the opportunity to get involved in developing a newer campus vision. I believe I am uniquely placed to contribute to this vision, as I am able to draw on my previous work with the RSPB and National Trust.

One day, I want to see big herbivores wandering the campus instead of mowers – but I am aware that we have to take things one step at a time!

Tell us something you do outside of work?

I build model railways – something I caught off my father when I was a child. I am currently building an 80s layout set on the Highland Mainline. I am an active member of the Soar Valley Model Railway Club and steward the club’s largest layout. We have our annual show in August at the Grammar School – please say hello if you come along.

What is your favourite quote?

The Chinese Proverb: ‘The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago, the second best time is now.’

If you would like to feature in ‘5 Minutes With’, or you work with someone who you think would be great to include, please email Soph Dinnie at S.Dinnie@lboro.ac.uk.