Fiona Brown

“It’s not just what you know, it’s who you know. Get involved in things. Show your employers that you are more than your qualifications.”

After graduating from Loughborough University with a PhD in Geography, Fiona knew one thing for certain, she didn’t want to work in a laboratory ever again! It was a Career Test in 2013 that first suggested Social and Therapeutic Horticulturist, though Fiona didn’t fully pursue it at the time. It was the COVID pandemic and subsequent lockdown that finally convinced Fiona to take the leap.

“I was using nature during lockdown for my own mental health and well-being, so I decided that was the time to make the plunge full time to horticulture.”

As a respite from caring for her Mum, Fiona spent time in the garden and went for a lot of walks. She realised that she needed nature as part of her life but wasn’t sure how to make a living out of it. Fiona signed up for the HND Horticulture at SRUC Edinburgh, determined from the outset that she had to make the change work.

Starting her studies in September 2020, it was a challenge balancing online learning with caring for her Mum. On-campus time was restricted to once a week, so packs were sent out in the post for plant trials to be conducted at home. Though this was more limiting than using the SRUC greenhouses, it was latterly beneficial for Fiona in the work she does now.

“I remember the enthusiasm of the staff. That always stood out to me as they tried their best to adapt to what was happening. They wanted the best for the students, even during lockdown.”

Through chatting to a staff member, Fiona secured a placement at Inch Nursery which supplemented the theory she had learnt in class and provided the practical work she missed due to COVID restrictions. The Nursery were really supportive and allowed Fiona to do whatever she needed for the placement.

After graduating, Fiona started working for Contini's in Edinburgh, growing the fruit and vegetables for their high-end Italian restaurants in a one-acre kitchen garden. She also began working freelance for the Eric Liddell Community. In November 2022, Fiona’s Mum passed away. This was the catalyst for a more stable career. Fiona became permanent staff at Eric Liddell and continued with freelance horticulture and therapeutic horticulture on the side.

“The team I’m in is Caring Services with a strong focus on mental health and wellbeing. You can see how much more relaxed somebody is when they’re getting their hands dirty.”

Through networking, Fiona got in touch with Defence Garden Scheme who use therapeutic horticulture to work with military veterans and service leavers of all ages. In April 2023, Fiona started the first 10-week project with them. The activities were adapted according to individuals' needs and abilities.

Working for The Eric Liddell Community means Fiona can be working on a variety of projects at any one time, from creating a peace garden in the church across the road, to running an unpaid carers garden project or a dementia friendly lunch. Fiona was also approached by Veterans Housing Scotland to help design and create a veteran's community garden.

“I like the variety. I love working with people. I wanted a career where I could help people. I get to do that and use my horticulture skills.”

In July 2024, Fiona was awarded a Churchill Fellowship to help unpaid carers with their mental health using social and therapeutic horticulture. In Spring 2025 Fiona visited Sweden, Denmark, and Norway to learn more about their use of therapeutic horticulture, greenspaces, and Nordic green health theories. It proved to be a life affirming experience.

“Through my Fellowship I hope to improve not just knowledge of carer mental health and wellbeing, alongside the recognition of social and therapeutic horticulture, but how together they can bring about positive and lasting changes.”

In June 2025, Fiona was appointed Shadow Chair of Transition Edinburgh South, an organisation that empowers local residents through projects that regenerate green spaces, grow low-carbon food, and deliver outdoor learning for all ages. TES runs Gracemount Community Garden and extends its activities into community centres, school programmes, youth initiatives, and cooking projects.

“When I was in Scandinavia, I learned how community gardens are used to bring together people who might be lonely and/or isolated. It emphasised why and how these spaces matter for communities and mental well-being.”