Esther Thoburn – CAFRE Alumni

My name is Esther Thoburn and I have successfully completed my FdSc in Horticulture at Greenmount Campus, CAFRE, in Antrim. I am originally from Carrickfergus but now I find myself in Belfast creating my food forest garden.  

I have always had a strong passion for environmental issues and it’s been a life affirming journey so far. Back in 2016, I was working in retail and as a self-employed circus performer, taking sanctuary in my veggie garden alongside the chickens. A friend and I took a weeklong trip over to an eco-village in Devon, as I was increasingly becoming interested in the permaculture philosophy – a set of design principles which enable us to live more harmoniously and sustainably in our landscapes. Inspired by the visit, and with connections made a month later I was on my first solo travelling mission ‘wwoofing’ my way around Europe, working on orchards, small holdings and loving it! In case you are wondering, wwoofing” stands for World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms. 

Eventually winter closed in so I decided to travel to New Zealand where I knew there was a healthy permaculture scene, and it was summer! I fixed up an internship alongside a Permaculture Design Course at The Eco School in Whanganui, as well as continuing some of ‘wwoofing’ and exploring the amazing natural landscapes there. At this point I knew I wanted to spend my life working the land, bringing some of this earth care practice home to Irish soil. I also realised that if I was to make a real difference environmentally I had first to get a recognised qualification. 

I was eligible for the 2 year full-time Foundation Degree in Horticulture at Greenmount. The programme covered a broad range of sectors such as plant production, business, science, amenity tree management and more. It also offered a strong practical element practical, giving us hands on experience and allowing us to achieve accredited short courses. 

My work placement was undertaken at a fruit and nut nursery in Co. Mayo, thereby extending my knowledge & skills in sustainable edible plant production. I also spent time at the Conservation Volunteers tree nursery at Clandyboye. Just before finishing my course at Greenmount I was awarded a £1000 student Scholarship by the David Colegrave Foundation, which I’ve put towards creating my own mini tree nursery but “out of little Acorns Mighty Oaks do grow”. 

In June I was delighted to achieve the FdSc in Horticulture with Commendation, and I am currently considering my options. I might top up with a BSc in Arboriculture in England. I recently celebrated my completion by climbing a 40ft beech tree – trees are really great!