Things have moved so quickly – I turned 18, went to Mull and then Uni all in the space of 4 weeks.

I missed out on my first choice of Uni, (by one grade in Biology), but fate dealt me the best of hands and I ended up at my insurance choice, Stirling and well, I’ve landed on my feet let me tell you.

Read more: Move on up!

University – the next chapter

After surviving freshers week, the actual learning began and I couldn’t wait to get stuck in to my chosen course, Environmental Science! What does the course involve? Well, it’s all about finding solutions to some of the world’s most pressing problems from climate change, pollution, and the loss of biodiversity to the sustainable provision of energy, food, and clean water. Studying an environmental course in Scotland, links everything I’m passionate about, so I’ve chosen well.

In our practical for the module Blue Planet, we had a walk round the loch on campus and followed various QR codes that told us information about the biology and history of the loch. I was surprised to hear that it was man-made for an estate and it was really interesting to learn about the various threats the loch faces from Azolla ferns and blue-green algae, which is toxic (a shame ‘cos I fancied a swim!). In our module looking at geology we studied the various rock faces around Bridge of Allan to discover their formation, from silt on ancient river beds to volcanic eruption 400 million years ago.

And apart from the learning, Uni life is fantastic! From the sun setting over the bridge in the evening, views of the distant mountains and staggering up the tree covered roads after at night at Fubar!

Saying goodbye to my local shop for local people

Leaving for Uni, meant leaving my first (and best) part-time job at Heyrod Food & Floral . I was really sad to leave; had the best boss in Lesley and made great friends with Lauren and the rest of the crew. I’ll miss the customer banter, scoffing the pies & samosas and the end of shift treats. Secretly hope to return to the potwash & peeling 3 million sprouts at Christmas 😉

Hung up my Rocketgro trowel

I’ve also finished working with RocketGro; which was my first dabble as an ‘influencer’. They were a fantastic company to work with, fair and ethical in both their business and professional approach, it’s been a delight to be part of the journey. I’ll never forget the start they gave me in my professional career and for that I’ll always be grateful. Cheers to the RG team and good luck conquering the peat-free world!

Youth Ambassador

My job as RHS Young Ambassador continues albeit a bit differently. Am hoping to carve a role focused on my studies, as not being able to access my garden means it’ll be tricky to report back from there. Similarly, my job as Youth Ambassador for the British Dragonfly Society continues. I’ll just be raising awareness a little differently from now on.

Being in Scotland, doesn’t mean I’ll forget my roots! I’ll still be checking in with my home-town organisations too, Operation Farm, In Our Nature MCR and South Pennines Park.

Enrich The Earth

Just before leaving for Uni, I filmed a couple of videos from my garden for a new organisation, Enrich The Earth, which exists to promote and transform unavoidable green and food waste into nutrient rich compost. In the first video I talk about the decision to go peat-free, you can watch it here. The second video is all about the benefits of home composting; you can watch it here.

Harvest Time

The harvest at home has been phenomenal this year, definitely the result of using a combination of home compost & peat-free products in the growing season. Dad made a comment before I left for Uni, about the soil health in the veg beds, being the best it’s ever been and that’s a combination of things really. Before putting the veg beds ‘to bed’ for the winter, we spread soil improver and our own organic home-made compost over them. That marriage has created really good quality soil and provided the right nutrients for healthy plant growth. Before I left home, we were literally picking & eating on a daily basis.

New adventures await

And now, it’s time to focus on my studies; I’ve got a few exciting things in the pipeline which I’ll share on my socials. So keep checking in and stay in touch, it’s always great to speak to my virtual mates. Nice one!