“The first thing I talk about is the size of the project, how big it is, the plans and the vision. It’s absolutely amazing for an industrial town like Oldham to have a project like this right in the middle of it. So I tell people about how it’s world leading, the first of its kind in the UK.” Simon, Ranger
Simon spent 25 years working as a safety inspection engineer in the theme park industry before embarking on a new nature-based career path.
Living just a stone’s throw from Northern Roots, Simon joined the charity in 2023 as an Urban Farm and Environment volunteer while studying for an RHS Horticulture qualification. He has since progressed to the role of Northern Roots Ranger.
Simon helps ensure the 160-acre site is safely maintained for visitors and the local community. He also works closely with the Growers and Natural Health Service teams, supporting people to strengthen their connection with nature through the Northern Roots site.
Simon believes Northern Roots will leave a lasting legacy, inspiring similar projects across the UK and beyond that champion locally grown food, biodiversity, education, and improved health and wellbeing for communities.
At weekends, you might find Simon at a makers’ market in Saddleworth or Manchester, where he sells handcrafted spoons and bowls made from surplus wood sourced from the Northern Roots site.