Susie O’Sullivan
Growing Futures Team
Growing up by the coast Susie has always felt an affinity with nature. Since moving to the Forest of Dean 6 years ago she has grown to love the grounding and relaxing presence of the trees. Early morning walks with her two collies in the forest brings peace and a sense of wonder at the mosaic of life, of which we are a part.
Leaving school with no formal qualifications, Susie started working on farms as a shepherdess, and in horticulture, growing organic foods to supply restaurants in London.
She then went on to travel, working on a kibbutz in Israel before continuing on to Africa. It was a single moment of taking a tour of Soweto in South Africa, and seeing such poverty that led to Susie wanting to support women in Africa. She returned to the UK, gained a BA in Geography and Environmental studies before moving to the USA where she set up a Fair Trade company supporting women owned businesses.
Susie has taught English as a Second Language both in the UK and South Korea, and has worked with neuro-diverse young adults in secondary schools. She has also worked in primary schools supporting curriculum learning and child-centred outdoor learning.
Working in mainstream schools has led her to find her calling, supporting children and young people to connect with nature.
Susie is a qualified Forest school Leader and Natural Mindfulness coach, and uses these holistic approaches to connect children, families and communities to the natural world.
She has volunteered with various charities over the years including Oxfam, The Sierra Club and Global Mamas.
She recently gained a Masters in Sustainability and enjoys reading as a process of continuous learning.
Susie is a passionate gardener and uses a holistic approach to grow food and support biodiversity in her edible forest garden. She is a keen beekeeper as well as providing care and a loving home for ex-battery chickens.
Susie is grateful to have found her ‘tribe’ within the Rewild Project and is excited to be sharing her passions and knowledge with future generations of growers!