Judy Fox

Judy Fox is Education Officer for Schools and Community at Cambridge University Botanic Garden and a member of the BGEN committee.

How long have you been working with plants and the natural world?

I have always been interested in plants. I became the only gardener at home growing up and studied botany at university. I worked in the gardens at Chelsea Physic Garden and the Rose Garden in Regents Park, before postgraduate studies in woodland plant ecology. I trained as a teacher and taught infants and then special needs children, always using plants for inspiration. I have been an education officer at Cambridge University Botanic Garden since the beginning of 2006.

Why is helping to connect people and plants important to you?

It is the most satisfying and interesting job. I enjoy communicating about something I really love and above all I love learning all the time. There are so many important aspects about growing plants that affect all of us in the world. It is a privilege to be part of this vital community. I want to pass on my enthusiasm to the next generation of plant people.

Tell us about a project you're really proud to have been involved in.

Shortly after beginning work at Canbridge University Botanic Garden I started to develop our Schools' Garden. This has been a really valuable addition to the school’s programme of activities.

Finally, what is your favourite plant?

The Hornbeam Tree - Carpinus betulus - is my favourite plant for all sorts of historical reasons. It is a beautiful, often overlooked tree and was an important part of our past as a valuable source of fuel.