Q&A with Lucy, our Project Manager
Cutteslowe Greenhouse: Tell us a bit about your background
Lucy:
I am from Oxford but spent nearly 20 years in London as a journalist, turned development worker, turned educator and my roots are in Kenya. I started out as a BBC local radio reporter, then worked in television, mainly making documentaries but also factual entertainment at MTV. I got a bit restless at the turn of the century and switched to the voluntary sector and found myself fundraising for and developing a local training project and then started delivering some of the training myself. Moving back to Oxford inspired me to go back to university and I managed to complete a Masters in education last year.
CG: What's your biggest priority over the next few months?
L: The biggest priority is major capital funding to restore the greenhouses, so we can move things forward. At the moment the best way individuals can contribute to the project is by becoming a member - it costs £10 per person and means that you can vote in our AGMs and have a say in how we support nature in Cutteslowe Park. We’re also planning a big campaign for later in the year so watch this space…
CG: What’s your favourite thing a) to grow, b) about living in Oxford, and c) about the job so far?
L: When I first moved back to Oxford we inherited an amazing garden and apart from 14 rose bushes, we also had a variety of grape vines and wild strawberries. We grew a dwarf apple tree from what looked like a twig. We named it after our dog, Jasper who loved to eat apple cores (not a good thing!)
My favourite thing about Oxford is the greenery. It has great wide open spaces, fields and rivers/canal. It is so easy to be surrounded by nature. It has so many hidden gems. Somewhere like North Hinksey Village is like being in the countryside but just over a mile away, across a couple of fields and the river and you are right in the city centre. I now like the fact that it is a small city with great architecture - which I did not appreciate as a teenager.
So far the job has allowed me to indulge myself in the natural world and share ideas with a friendly team of people.
CG: Finally, is there anything else you'd like to share?
L: My sister had a flat overlooking Cutteslowe Park when I was a teenager and I have fond memories of carefree days hanging out with my friends in the park there until beyond dusk.
Q&A with Matthew, our Nature Hubs Coordinator
Cutteslowe Greenhouse: Tell us a bit about your background
Matthew: I've been practising horticulture for nearly 20 years. I don't know everything, but I've gained valuable experience working on regenerative farms, spending hot days in market gardens, and working alongside great people in some beautiful gardens.
CG: What's your biggest priority over the next few months?
Keeping everything alive!! Connecting with the community, spreading the word about the Cutteslowe Greenhouse Project and everything in connection. Engaging with the community through pop-up workshops, allotment sessions and seasonal gatherings [See our Events page or subscribe to our newsletter for updates on these! - Ed.]
CG: What’s your favourite thing a) to grow, b) about living in Oxford, and c) about the job so far?
M: My favourite thing to grow and eat is purple sprouting broccoli. It takes about ten months to start cropping, a labour of love. However, come early winter, when the vegetable beds are bare, it offers a real treat of flavour and colour.
One of my favourite things about Oxford is the Thames River. I enjoy paddling down it in a canoe, walking alongside it, spotting the wildlife and wildflowers, or simply sitting by it with a beverage and friends. It's a serene setting away from the hustle and bustle.
My favourite part of the job has been meeting new people. Since I've recently moved back to Oxford, being surrounded by passionate, fun, enthusiastic, like-minded individuals is truly a gift.
CG: Finally, is there anything else you'd like to share?
M: A favourite fact is that newts are adept at regeneration. If they lose a limb, they can grow new ones in just a few months. They can regenerate parts of their tails, jaws, ears, hearts, spines, eyes, and even brains. Finding one in your garden is a sign of a healthy ecosystem.
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Matthew is running workshops this summer for adults who want to learn new nature-related skills. Meet him at the Garden Workshop on 28th August or the Willow Workshop on 11th September - please email volunteers@cutteslowegreenhouse.org for more info and to book!