I was born in the far south – Harpenden – but, at a very early age made my way north.

We have family connections to this area going back 5 generations and I have enjoyed holidays here since childhood. I moved up to the Broughton area permanently over 30 years ago.

I have worked as a Medical Herbalist for over 30 years offering consultations and herbal remedies. I have a keen interest in the environment and nature – particularly plants and fungi – For many years I have led a variety of local herb walks to encourage people to discover the herbs and fungi of the area.

For 5 years I was part of a social enterprise called Roots and Shoots which worked with the charity Manna House in Kendal who support literacy and homeless people in the area. We gardened and cooked with Manna House clients. We also worked with the Children’s Centre in Ulverston with a focus on helping to develop an interest in food and gardening in local children and their parents.

For many years I have been involved with a community garden called The Plot just outside Ulverston.