Garden Africa Staff
Our small team of staff works closely with partner organisations, with support from researchers, advisors and volunteers.
As well as raising awareness to promote bio-cultural diversity to improve the sustainable management of botanical resources, our activities involve designing pioneering projects, networking, advocacy and fundraising, while supporting strategic planning, reporting and financial management on the ground with partners.
Most of our team live within walking or cycling distance of work, or are home-based.
Bill Leeson - Communications
After a brief career as an actor, Bill worked as an agent, theatre producer, club promoter, and then as a film-maker producing arts-based documentaries. In the 1990s Bill was involved in humanitarian aid, working in Bosnia, Kosovo, West Africa, East Timor and Afghanistan. During this time, he became increasingly aware of the limitations and short-term value of the emergency approach, when compared with the potential of appropriately targeted development initiatives. In 2002 Bill co-founded GardenAfrica. bill@gardenafrica.org.uk
Georgina McAllister (MA) - Programmes
With a background in humanitarian aid which, like conflict, often happens to people without their consent, George developed an interest in creating more inclusive and sustainable forms of community engagement, which view the environment and its hosts as part of a long-term solution. Having worked during her youth as gardener in her native North Wales, and later completing her MA in politics at York (Post-War Reconstruction & Development) she drew upon these two passions, co-founding GardenAfrica in 2002, where she continues to design and develop programmes with civil society organisations in sub-Saharan Africa. gem@gardenafrica.org.uk
Dr Robert Close (PhD) - Finance
Biologist and earthworm specialist, Bob has a long interest in gardening matters both as an enthusiast and a professional. He is a strong advocate of GardenAfrica's developmental approach to aid and its 'people and plants' projects. He also brings to our team over 10 years’ experience of voluntary sector finances and the legal aspects of fundraising and trading initiatives. bob@gardenafrica.org.uk
Susan Kerry Bedell (MSc) - Head of Development
Susan spent the first half of her career in business publishing. Wanting to combine her working life with personal interests, she returned to university and took an Ecology degree, followed by a Masters in Tourism and Conservation. Since then, she has been in charity development working for several organisations in conservation and animal welfare. She is a very keen (some would say obsessive) organic gardener and allotment holder, and is looking forward to using her skills and knowledge to develop and grow GardenAfrica and the amazing work they have already achieved. susan@gardenafrica.org.uk
