Emma’s Story: Gardeners are at the Forefront of Climate Resilience
Our first Spotlight Story features Emma McNamara, National Development Specialist for Horticulture at the National Trust. Emma tells us about her career change into the green space sector, and how being supported throughout her journey made all the difference.
Growing up in the Dorset countryside, Emma felt close to nature and remembers visiting the Elizabethan gardens of Athelhampton House. Her journey into horticulture wasn’t a predictable one. Inspired by her artist family, she went into art and design, studying textile design before pursuing a nursing career and having a family.Whilst working as a Nurse on the wards, she could go day to day without knowing the weather or seasons outside.
“You’re in this closed environment; it could be raining, sunshine, snowing or a heatwave. You don’t know what’s going on outside, and I really struggled with that.”
Like many people who enter the green space sector, Emma started her journey late in her twenties, a decade after leaving school. After having a family and whilst living through postnatal depression, her GP finally asked her the question needed to help her find her purpose. “Do something for you. What do you like doing? Do that!”
The answer was gardening.
Emma began by attending evening classes at Sparsholt College, where she found a flair for garden design. Thanks to the on-site preschool, she could attend college, complete her training and set up her own gardening design business. During this time, she worked with local schools designing playgrounds, incorporating more inspiring planting to make them more interesting. She then continued her studies through the college, going to be part of the first cohort to do a horticulture degree at the college.
While designing and maintaining gardens, which helped her build her contacts and community, Emma continued expanding her skillset, taking additional practical courses to support her business, making her a complete expert in her field:
“I did a course in bricklaying because that was one supplier I couldn’t find. I wanted to make raised beds. I also learn how to lay paving and do a really good job with pointing and edging.”
Since then, Emma has progressed to working with the National Trust as a regional gardens and parklands consultant. She is currently on Secondment to further develop opportunities for staff experience and training to support them in their career progression, which involves expanding the trainee options and apprenticeship placements.
“The National Trust has lots of apprenticeships, and we get a lot of career changers. A Horticulture Apprenticeship is a great way to learn a lot, get paid, and gain experience in various areas. I think apprenticeships are the way forward.”
What are the benefits of working in the green space sector?
“Being connected to the outdoors and seasonal change so you see what’s happening in the natural world. I love supporting and educating others about plants and their impact and connecting with the people behind the gardens.”
“And it’s so inspiring; You can be as creative as you want to with it, I find it’s a really good outlet for my design skills.”
What are the pitfalls?
“I think the biggest challenge is probably salaries. People really need to understand that we train for a long time, and there’s a lot of information we have to learn and keep on top of.”
There is a need to recognise gardeners as professionals, and their salaries need to reflect the knowledge and expertise required and the challenges that come with a role working against all weathers.
“Especially where climate resilience is concerned, gardeners are at the forefront, working with nature to create spaces that are fit for purpose and sustainable enough to withstand the changes we are experiencing globally. For example, they can create more shade for people and, in public spaces, adapt gardens to respond to higher temperatures.”
What support is out there?
“I think it’s probably the women in horticulture who have been the most supportive and understanding of our challenges.”
Throughout Emma’s career, she felt supported by various connections, which greatly impacted her experience. Since her time at Sparsholt College, Emma’s supportive tutor, Chris Bird, encouraged her through her early career, and she has connected with many like-minded, experienced women along the way. She is now passing on her wisdom and experience with 4 other women as a co-founder of the ‘Women in Parks, Horticulture, Landscape’ group with their unique mentoring offer.
Emma experienced a great sense of community throughout her career and enjoys teaching others. but feels there is still a stigma attached to women working in green spaces;
“Some people think you’re just a lady who lunches and does some gardening. You want to smash that image because we’re not like that. We are as professional as the guys* who are out there doing it. We must fight harder to be seen; I was just as capable of digging holes and lifting things and made sure I was part of the workforce equally.”
Qualifications:
- RHS Level 3 Horticulture
- HND Garden Design
- Horticulture BSc
- Conservation in historic gardens and cultural landscapes MSc
- Now doing a PhD in Conservation and Access using GPS and GIS technology in heritage gardens through Southampton University (what people need and why)
What advice would you give someone looking to start out in the sector?
“Knowing what part of the sector you want to work in is a challenge because it’s so varied. If you’re not sure, a great place to start is through volunteering because you can try it without the commitment of taking on a job. And if you don’t enjoy that element, you can ask other people on site what else is available.”
“And connect with people; the National Trust has a huge volunteer programme you can reach out to as does English Heritage. Try getting involved in local groups, find a local horticulture group and help out regularly or pop in to ask for help and advice. If you’re unsure, contact the Women in Parks, Horticulture and Landscapes.”
And continue learning! Emma enjoys being creative away from her job and recently took a course in stained glass and glasswork techniques to counteract working every day on a computer. She has also taken many more creative courses. She feels that continuing your learning outside the workplace can help you progress in certain areas at your own pace.
What do you love most about your job?
“I get to see the most beautiful places and meet the wonderful people behind places and projects. We quickly connect and become friends, discussing a garden in front of us and how to improve it; it doesn’t feel like going to work!”
What do you love most about nature?
“It is resilient, whether we’re here or not. Hopefully, we can help it recover and get back to a good balance; it makes you feel much better about yourself and the world when you’re out immersed in the natural environment. That’s what’s great about London – there is so much green space, and you’re generally only a 5-minute walk away from some.”
In three words, how would you describe working in horticulture?
“Inspiring. Restorative. Colourful.”
Discover more stories from the women across the green space sector on our spotlight series.