Rebecca
Garden and Horticulture Assistant
Age - 24
Rebecca has been making a difference by promoting the value of creating accessible connections to nature for neurodivergent people. As Garden and Horticulture Assistant at Green Synergy, she embarked on a journey of personal growth and self-discovery, thriving in her role and developing her ambitions of encouraging people with disabilities to access opportunities in the environmental sector.
Before joining the programme, Rebecca participated in conservation placements, including one through Kickstart where she facilitated outdoor education for children with learning difficulties. Being neurodivergent herself, Rebecca understood how beneficial the outdoors could be for learning and wellbeing. This experience shaped her understanding of how impactful green spaces can be, inspiring her to pursue a career that could make a meaningful difference.
When Rebecca applied to New to Nature, she was drawn to the empathy and compassion shown by Green Synergy’s team, towards volunteers and applicants. From the start, Rebecca felt supported, as the organisation provided adjustments such as sharing interview questions in advance, giving her a sense of reassurance.
“Not everyone has the opportunity to be outside and be in nature because of where they live or because of their circumstances and I feel like everyone should be able to have access to green spaces.”
On her placement, Rebecca regularly spoke with her team about workplace support, which helped her to manage overwhelm. These conversations, combined with a supportive environment, helped Rebecca grow personally and professionally. She developed skills in communication, teamwork, and resilience, while gaining confidence in her abilities.
Rebecca’s experience has strengthened her commitment to improving access to nature for others. She hopes to continue her training in horticulture and advocate for neurodivergent people in the sector, encouraging others to find fulfilling roles and make a positive impact.
The New to Nature programme has shown Rebecca the importance of inclusive environments and representative voices in the sector. The support and acceptance she found at Green Synergy have reinforced her determination to create opportunities for others, ensuring everyone can benefit from access to nature.
“I personally have learnt a lot about myself and I feel like I’m becoming a better person because of being in this job.”
New to Nature is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund as part of the celebrations to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and the King’s Coronation, delivered through a partnership of Groundwork, The King’s Trust, Disability Rights UK, Mission Diverse and the Youth Environmental Service.
