How Inez got into landscaping
I always loved the outdoors, old country houses and the stories behind famous garden restorations. I started volunteering at a historic garden as part of my Gold Duke of Edinburgh award, working with the gardeners throughout my college holidays. I realised almost by fluke when applying for university courses this could be a career that combined my love of art, history and the environment into one. I studied Garden Design, Restoration and Management (BSc) at Writtle College and now work as a Consultant Landscape Manager for LUC – an environmental consultancy working on a variety of projects from the restoration of a historic garden, to funding applications as part of large HLF applications to Open Space Strategies. Little did I know at the time how broad the industry is. I am continuously learning new skills while working on a range of landscapes and projects.
Why I love landscaping
The landscape industry is hugely varied and what’s great is you can experience all aspects of it over the course of one’s career. I am constantly working on a range of landscapes from the management plan for an urban park to enhancing the landscape character of a farm within an AONB. I use my design, landscape management, horticultural skills and farming background daily in the work I produce. My biggest sense of personal accomplishment comes from knowing the work I do contributes to the preservation and understanding of our landscapes.
My advice to tomorrow’s landscaper
The industry is ever changing and I believe over the next 25 years we’ll see some monumental differences to the way we look after the environment. Not only do we need to consider climate change, the current political environment and the varied economic impacts, but we can now look to the future of technologies like robotics, AI and GIS to relieve some 21st century pressures. My advice would be to take advantage of all opportunities for experience and work across the sector to find the specialism that inspires you to see change and be bold in the suggestions you make. A different perspective is always useful.
