The Greening Campaign team

Anthea Cooke

Health Impacts of Climate Change Pillar

I bring over 40 years of professional health related experience, including health promotion, public health and community development, to the Greening Campaign. I passionately believe in the massive role and power of nature in promoting and protecting our health and wellbeing.

However, Climate Change is already, and will continue to be, a significant risk to people’s health and wellbeing. Hence, I am pleased to support work to help communities understand these risks and take local actions.

Ben Anderson

Project Support for Monitoring and Evaluation

University of Southampton

Originally from a natural sciences background, I have a BSc in Biology and Computer Science (Southampton University, UK), a PhD in Computer Studies (Loughborough University, UK).

With wide-ranging experience leading high quality research and evaluation projects in the commercial and academic sectors during my roles with BT plc and the Universities of Loughborough, Essex, Southampton.

I held an EU Marie Sklodowska-Curie Global Fellowship at the University of Otago’s Centre for Sustainability from 2017-2020 before returning to the University of Southampton. I now split my time between research and helping to drive forward the University’s Sustainability Strategic Plan via a secondment to the University’s Sustainability Implementation Group.

My role in the project is to support the Greening Campaign and Pillar Experts in the development of robust evaluation methods and processes.

Colette Bond

Cycle of the Seed Pillar

Director of Communities at Garden Organic

I have been working in the charity sector for over 18 years, most of that time has been spent at Garden Organic where I started as Head of Education in 2005. The role included the development and delivery of several schools related projects and programmes including the Food for Life Partnership and Food Growing Schools; London, as well as the management of a number of social and therapeutic projects working at Ryton and in the wider community. Our work also includes partnerships with many organisations across the sector amongst them; The Soil Association, Sustain, Trees for Cities and the RHS.

Currently I have the privileged role of supporting Garden Organic’s community outreach work including projects across the UK including volunteer programmes, Master Gardener and Master Composters, training programmes and the garden at Ryton. We are very excited to partner with the Greening Campaign and be able to share our expert knowledge in organic growing.

Dawn O’Malley

Space for Nature Pillar

Wilder Communities Manager at Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust

The Trust’s response to the nature emergency fits perfectly with the Greening Campaign Space for Nature Programme.  The Trust recognises that the twin threats of climate change and ecological collapse are the most important issues of our time, and this was the reason behind the launch of our Wilder 2030 strategy; recognising that the Trust has a vital role to play in making a substantial local contribution to tackling this global challenge.

My role is to help build a movement for change to tip the balance in favour of nature. I lead a team of officers working within communities in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight, building connection to nature, delivering training, support and influencing positive behaviour change and the Greening Campaign is a valuable addition to this strategy. I look forward to supporting our Wilder Neighbourhoods Officer who will be delivering the Greening Campaign’s phase 2 Space for Nature Pillar.

Fiona Brogan

Admin & Accounts

Supporting the Health Impacts of Climate Change Pillar

In a varied role, I have the joy of supporting two of the Pillars and also have the challenge of managing the overall administration of the programme and the budgets.  This gives me insight into the programme that others rarely experience as it highlights the amazing work communities are undertaking across the 5 Pillars.   I am programme support for the Pillar ‘Health Impacts of Climate Change’ and as a trained nurse this has really demonstrated the challenge Climate Change will bring to the health and wellbeing of those living in Hampshire. 

My other role is to support the delivery of the Energy Efficient Warmer Homes Pillar which has again demonstrated the enormous amount of change taking place across the County and it is a joy to see the residents eager to make changes to their homes both for financial reasons but also environmental. 

I love being part of something so meaningful as the Greening Campaign as I am passionate about the planet.  When I’m not working, I love walking on the South Downs and spending time with all of my 36 animals.

Hampshire County Council

Climate Change Team

The Climate Change Team at Hampshire County Council formed in 2020 following the declaration of a climate emergency. 

As laid out in our climate change strategy, working with communities to reduce emissions and build resilience to climate change is a key priority for the County Council, so partnering with the ground-breaking Greening Campaign was an important part of supporting Hampshire’s communities to tackle climate change. 

The Greening Campaign Waste Prevention Pillar has been developed in collaboration with the Hampshire County Council Smart Living Team. The Smart Living Waste Prevention initiative has been running since 2015, and during that time the Team have developed extensive knowledge, expertise, and experience in all areas of waste prevention. 

Previously working with the Greening Campaign to establish Greening Communities across Hampshire, through the Community Renewal Fund, the team continue to support this programme, offering strategic oversight to help more communities go further. 

Heather Todd

Project Manager

My role is to oversee the three-year programme that supports communities across Hampshire to explore ways to effectively tackle climate change in their local area. I work closely with the Director and Pillar experts to ensure that all programme targets are agreed, set and delivered and that all evidence is effectively gathered. I can then ensure that the programme can be robustly monitored and evaluated and that all deadlines are met on time, so we can demonstrate that the work we are doing with communities is having a positive affect.

I am passionate about the environment and the challenges we are facing to try to make a difference. Each day on my beach walk I actually enjoy picking up any litter I find, as I know that with every piece I remove, I am helping to protect the environment and marine wildlife. Small actions can make a massive difference and the Greening Campaign is a great way for more people to do what they can to have a positive impact too.

Karen Tyrell

Non-Exec Board Member

I love all things wild….. flowers, animals, camping and especially swimming and I’m passionate about doing whatever I can to help protect it all. 

As one of the Non-Executive Directors my role is to help shape the strategy and direction of the business to ensure a bright and sustainable future. 

I am looking forward to championing the fantastic work of The Greening Campaign, seeing all the hard work and commitment of the communities paying off and the patchwork of “green communities” grow across the UK. 

Janet McKenzie

Non-Exec Board Member

I know people desperately want to make a difference but with a topic so huge, knowing where to start can be a big challenge. As a non-executive Director of the Greening Campaign my role is to think about our long-term goals and how best we can achieve them. I’m proud to be able to use knowledge from my day job working in Human Resources to provide support, advice and guidance when helpful; and as a beekeeper, I’m really connected to the local environment and the day-to-day impact climate change has on our pollinators.

Oona Muirhead CBE

Non-executive Board Member

Walking in the Scottish mountains and seeing the birds flocking to feeders in my garden has kept me sane during difficult periods in my life. I’m passionate about caring for our environment and biodiversity.

I’ve been involved with the Greening Campaign since 2008 when I provided grant funding to the Campaign. So, I’m delighted to chair the GC Board and give strategic direction for how best to support communities in their vital work to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change. This fits well with one of my other roles: with a cross-party think-tank advising government and parliament on environmental and climate policy.

Ross Varney

Cycle of the Seed Pillar

Training & Engagement Manager at Garden Organic

At Garden Organic, through campaigning, advice, community work, conservation and research, our aim is to cultivate a healthier, more biodiverse and sustainable world by inspiring everyone to get growing in their windowsills, back gardens, community gardens and local parks.

Working with our brilliant team of growers, researchers and volunteers, I manage horticultural events, training activities and funded projects to share growing advice and organic principles with individuals, organisations and community groups around the UK.

Terena Plowright

Founder & Director

It has been utterly inspirational to learn from the communities we have supported over the last 16 years.  My role is to share the knowledge we have gained from working with over 200 communities, often hand holding those that want support to move through the various parts of our programme. 

I act as the initial contact for each community, supporting them as they lay the foundations for creating a more sustainable future.  As they then work with our expert support, I am the ‘link’ between the various Pillars and themes we have for communities to undertake.  This means I get time to spend with some of the residents and it is this that brings me such hope and joy for the future – you are all truly amazing. 

I also speak at the communities Public Meetings and other various events which also allows me to listen to communities needs to help shape and develop the Greening Campaign programme for the future.