Meet the Team Series: Meet Lauren
- 32 minutes ago
- 2 min read
In this edition of our Meet the Team series, we sit down with Lauren. From nurturing seedlings to ensuring the smooth operation of tree packaging for customers, her role has grown and evolved alongside the business as she continues to develop her career.
Role: Nursery and Agroforestry Worker
Joined: October 2023
Seasons Completed: Now in my third season
My Journey at The Grower
I started in October 2023, initially grading and lifting trees. Since then, I’ve expanded into tubing and planting offsite. These days, I do a bit of everything: tubing, staking, planting, grading, lifting, pesticide work, processing orders, you name it. I’m confident in all areas of my role.
Learning by Doing
School wasn’t really my thing, I learn best through hands-on experience. I originally trained as a hairdresser and tried college a few times, exploring various career paths before finding my place at The Grower.
I joined with a few GCSEs and a certificate in Life Drawing. Since then, I’ve earned:
Plant Healthy certification
Pesticide ticket
Forestry first aid & catastrophic wound training
Next on my list: a strimmer ticket, telehandler licence, and any other training Chris and Inez recommend to help me grow here.
Seasonal Work Life
My tasks shift with the seasons:
Autumn & Winter: Planting, grading, lifting, tubing, staking
Spring: Seed sowing
Summer: Weeding, maintenance, spraying
No two weeks are the same, it all depends on the weather and what’s needed on-site or offsite.
What I Love About the Job
I genuinely enjoy most of my work, except weeding (it’s so repetitive!). I don’t mind the weather and love being outdoors in all conditions. I thrive on challenges, whether physical or mental.
Advice for New Starters
Be ready for everything you own to end up muddy, it gets everywhere, worse than glitter! But seriously, it’s a rewarding and satisfying job. You get to see beautiful parts of the countryside and stay active. It’s a great outlet for energy and focus.
Life Outside Work
I’m just as active and outdoorsy off the clock. I have a large allotment (30x120ft) where I grow chillies in my polytunnel. I regularly fish and forage, and I serve as a parish councillor, campaigning for social housing and community orchards. I’ve also helped secure the Green Flag Award for my local green space.
Favourite Fact
Large flowers like magnolias, squashes, and cucurbits evolved before flying insects. They’re big because they were pollinated by beetles and small mammals!
Comments