Jane Cummings

Social and Therapeutic Horticulturalist

Jane is the founder and lead Social and Therapeutic Horticulturist at Growing Roots. With 12 years of experience as a Curriculum Support Tutor at Strode College, she witnessed how challenges like low self-confidence, social struggles, and difficult home environments could hinder young people’s educational success. This sparked her passion for using horticulture as a transformative tool to foster personal growth and well-being.

She pursued professional training in Social and Therapeutic Horticulture with Thrive and achieved the prestigious RHS Level 3 Diploma. Through this, she honed her ability to design and adapt gardening activities to nurture mental health, build self-esteem, and encourage social connection.

Jane is deeply committed to creating inclusive and inspiring nature-based experiences that empower young people to gain confidence, develop new skills, and form meaningful connections. She firmly believes that spending time outdoors—whether actively gardening or simply enjoying the environment—can boost emotional resilience, alleviate stress, and enhance overall well-being.

Mike King

Safeguarding

Mike spent 20 years as a primary school Head Teacher in Suffolk and Somerset before joining Sport England as a Lottery Fund Manager, where he supported community sports projects across the Southwest.

He later helped establish the Compass Youth Inclusion Support Project in Bath, mentoring young people at risk of offending. As Coordinator of the Sedgemoor Learning Alliance, he secured over £1 million in funding to provide disadvantaged children with access to extra-curricular and educational opportunities.

Passionate about the benefits of Horticultural Therapy, Mike believes it helps build aspiration, confidence, and educational success.
Now retired in Devon, he remains active in the community as a Director of Growing Roots CIC, overseeing Safeguarding, and as a Dartington Primary School governor.

He also volunteers with South Hams Citizens Advice and leads Dartington Hall garden tours. A keen outdoorsman, he enjoys walking, nature, and community engagement.

Dick Cummings

Secretary

After many years working as a Chartered Engineer, Dick spent 12 years teaching computing and electronics engineering at several local FE colleges and is now retired, but very active!  

He provides useful technical expertise to Growing Roots particularly in the areas of finance and the law.

Dick has been an allotment holder for over 25 years.

Sue Gillison

Volunteer

Sue worked as a paediatric physiotherapist in the Midlands and Taunton for over 20 years, helping children build strength and confidence. Her passion for nature led her to earn a Diploma in Therapeutic Horticulture at Moreton Morrell College and the Henry Doubleday Institute in 1997—an experience she found both fun and inspiring!

She later spent 10 years with Citizens Advice in Taunton, supporting disabled people in accessing the right benefits. Now retired, Sue keeps busy with a variety of volunteering roles, including her work with Growing Roots, where she sees firsthand how gardening can boost well-being and bring people together.

Ann Watson

Volunteer

Ann is a retired secondary school teacher who has taught at several schools, including two in Zambia, and most recently in Midsomer Norton. She has also been a tutor at Strode College and played a key role in establishing Mendip Community Support, an organisation that worked with local voluntary and community groups.

A passionate gardener, Ann has seen firsthand the positive impact of therapeutic gardening through her volunteering with Growing Roots. She believes that learning in an outdoor environment offers young people a unique opportunity to develop skills beyond the classroom. Watching them grow in confidence, collaborate, and thrive in nature has been incredibly rewarding.