My work is about connecting people to the world around them. It might be connecting people with nature, visitors with heritage, or school children with science or art.

I am often asked how my career developed. In short, I studied Environmental Microbiology at the University of Aberdeen, which included biological sciences and soil science. After some travelling, I did a few years in a research lab and decided that I preferred communicating the wonder of science rather than counting cells under a microscope. That revelation led to a short stint as a teaching assistant in a primary school, where I realised that I love working with children. This led to becoming the Education Officer at the Royal Observatory in Edinburgh, where I took the portable planetarium out to schools and libraries. After five years, I moved back to the North East of England to become Public Engagement Manager at the Centre for Life. Six and a half years later, I decided to work freelance to take on more challenging and varied projects. I have really enjoyed working for myself for the last 12 years. I have collaborated with so many amazing people and worked on so many great projects all over the UK and abroad. In 2019, I felt the need for a bit of an intellectual challenge so I thought I’d do a Master’s in Heritage Studies at Newcastle University. It was all made more challenging by coronavirus lockdowns and homeschooling three children, but I got through it. My dissertation was ‘Doing heritage in Northumberland: the effect of long-term relationships with heritage sites on wellbeing, identity and ontological security’, exploring our connection to heritage sites that we keep going back to.

In April 2021, I started working for North Pennines National Landscape on their Tees Swale: Naturally Connected programme as Interpretation Officer, part-time. I am really loving this job, exploring Teesdale and Swaledale and finding out how farmers are not only tending to their sheep and cattle but are also increasing the carbon storage of their land, improving water quality and enhancing habitats for rare birds and wildflowers. It has been my pleasure to work with farmer Paul Johnson and Film maker Matthew Wood to produce ‘Farming on the Edge’ a short documentary about High Nature Value Farming. I was delighted when it won an award at the Sunderland Short Films Festival in 2025.

I’ve also been doing a little bit of work for English Heritage, facilitating the Conservation on the Road program. I had great fun at Belsay Hall, Carlisle Castle, Chester Castle and Marble Arch, engaging visitors with activities to demonstrate the many skills and techniques required to look after historic buildings.

I think it is important to make time to play and explore. Adults and Children need to learn through doing. I think human beings need to make connections to their heritage and the natural world around them. I find the greatest satisfaction in facilitating these connections.

Cheers

Jenny

Good to Know

Risk Assessments

I  am proficient in writing risk assessments for festivals and smaller events.

Insurance

I have public liability insurance and professional indemnity insurance. I am also insured for Forest School activities including campfires.

DBS

I have enhanced DBS.

Mental Health and Wellbeing 

We are all more aware of mental health issues in children these days. I have a Level 2 Mental Wellbeing in Children and Young People qualification. I have just completed a Level 3 Diploma in Child Psychology and recently attended a course on Resilience in children and young people run by Young Minds.

Recent Courses

I have an up-to-date two-day Outdoor First Aid Certificate.

May 2021- Association of Heritage Interpreters course Heritage Interpretation by The Authentic Spark

September 2019- September 2020 MA Heritage Studies at Newcastle University

March 2019 Calling the Soul Back Home- Selkie myths with Janis Mackay Scottish Storytelling Centre