Sarah Bridges
Gardener, Landworker, All round handywoman
Sarah has worked for herself for over 20 years providing Grounds Management and Commercial Cleaning Services for developers and management companies in and around the Forest of Dean. In recent years she has offered gardening services to local residents in her community. Before the cuts in 2009 she was a Youth Worker for Gloucestershire County Council and particularly enjoyed organising and supporting the ‘Young Carers’ group sessions with crafting and cooking.
Growing up she loved to help her Grandad on his allotment and in the kitchen every Sunday with her nan, baked and batch cooking with the produce. After completing her education she studied cooking at Catering college and found a passion for producing and creating wholesome meals which she did for several years in commercial settings. It was during these years that Sarah honed her skills in developing menu plans for different dietary requirements when she managed a kitchen in a school for children with special educational needs and disabilities. After a close family member was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue she researched and discovered the nutritional benefits of using edible plants and herbs alongside whole foods to help them naturally support their body in managing their symptoms.
Sarah volunteers for the Community Land Projects at Noxon and recently assisted to produce food for the crew at the festival events and for the Log Build course we ran in the Summer. She will be getting more involved and will be taking on the Sensory garden at Severnoaks.
Although she spent her childhood preferring to be outside her passion for the outdoors increased when she moved to the Forest of Dean area 30 years ago and has since been an avid walker and a keen gardener. She fell in love with the Forest and it’s open spaces and you will often hear her say, “if it can’t be done outside then it's not likely to get done”. Her garden is a canvas used to grow food and insect attracting plants. She thinks that we need to educate our children more about the benefits of getting your hands dirty in soil, working up a sweat and producing our own wholesome food, especially in the current times when the food they are consuming is possibly setting them up for ill health and a lifetime of medication through the lack vital knowledge.
Sarah loves walking especially hill walking. Three Peaks and a 3 day sea to summit walk of El Teide have been just a few of the highlights. In recent years she has enjoyed foraging as an add on interest to her already much love for being outdoors, walking the land. Just this Summer she did her first Mushroom Forage and plans more trips out to develop the skills with experienced guides. She also enjoys sewing, crafting, creating, fixing and repurposing.
Contact: sarah@therewildproject.com