This International Women’s Day (8 March 2026), we’re celebrating the women who care for our landscapes and parks, nurture biodiversity, and help ensure that everyone in our community has access to beautiful, safe, and welcoming outdoor places.
The parks and green spaces sector has been a male‑dominated field, but that is changing — thanks to talented women who bring fresh perspectives, creativity, and resilience to the work.
Claire Smith, Nicola Lawrence and Jo Sylvester spoke to us about their roles at Chelmsford City Parks and their love for being outdoors, it’s fantastic to hear such positivity that we hope is inspiring!
Claire Smith, Gardener at Hylands Park Estate (image above of Hylands Park)
What are your favourite spots to visit for a walk or wellbeing moment?
Visiting green spaces and parks can help women reduce stress and improve mood, while supporting physical health through walking and other exercise. Access to high-quality parks is linked to a 20% reduction in the risk of depression for women. They encourage social connection and provide natural light, which helps with sleep and overall wellbeing.
For me, being outside and seeing the gardens change with the seasons, hearing the various bird songs and seeing regular visitors has a real positive impact on my overall mood.
One of my favourite places to visit is Warley Place Nature Reserve. It’s so peaceful there, and I love that you can see the London skyline in the distance, it really makes you appreciate the contrast between the quiet of nature and the busyness of the city. It feels like the perfect reminder that you can step away from it all, even when you’re not that far from it.”
What advice would you give to younger women who may be looking to get into gardening and what are the positives experienced in your role?
I’d say don’t worry if you’re not “into gardening” straight away, try volunteering or getting some hands-on experience first. That’s what changed it for me. I liked nature, but it wasn’t until I volunteered as a gardener that I realised how much I loved the work itself.
Gardening is such a rewarding field. You’re working outdoors, seeing the seasons change, and getting the physical and mental health benefits that come with being outside every day. It’s active, varied, and you can literally see the results of your hard work grow over time.
For young women, I’d say it’s a career that builds confidence, practical skills, resilience and creativity – and it proves that outdoor, physical jobs aren’t limited to men. If you enjoy being outside and want a job that feels meaningful, it’s absolutely worth exploring.”
Nicola Lawrence, Parks Ranger
What benefits are there for women in visiting green spaces and parks and what are your favourite spots to visit for a walk or wellbeing moment?
Being outside is great for anyone’s mental health, being somewhere quiet, listening to the bird song, I enjoy heading anywhere with woods, so I can listen to the birds keeping an eye out too for interesting fungi. Flower meadows are great when they are flowering, and being able to watch wildlife that visits them. A favourite local area I like to visit is Frankland Field Local Nature Reserve it is a great flower meadow and has some lovely walks along the River Crouch.”
What advice would you give to younger women who may be looking to get into gardening and what are the positives experienced in your role?
I have always enjoyed being outside so knew from leaving school at 16 that I wanted to work outside, with an early interest in gardening and growing vegetables, I went on to go to Writtle college where I studied Horticulture. Whilst at college I did work experience with the council working in Central park, I really enjoyed my time there and was very lucky to be kept on after college had finished and continued to work in the park until I got my current role as Park Ranger.
So I would say for any women looking at this field of work either go to college or look for apprenticeships so you can study and gain experience at the same time. “
Jo Sylvester, Parks Customer and Business Support Manager, (pictured above with Claire Gooch from parks nursery)
What are the benefits of parks, green spaces and sports pitches for women and from your own experiences, which areas would you recommend visiting?
“The benefits are the access to green space and fresh air, somewhere to clear your mind. We have some lovely parks that are well maintained and hopefully there is something for everyone. Central Park has a lovely garden and café and is easily accessible for many and is home to many events. Oaklands park is lovely, quite a small park but again there is a lovely café with the museum and some wonderful gardens. Hopefully women and girls feel safe in our parks and feel they can visit.”
What advice would you give to younger women who may be looking to get into gardening and what are the positives experienced in your role?
“There are so many more women within the service than when I first started and so many more opportunities. We have various roles and if you have a love for the outdoors, plants, sports, and events etc then do not hesitate no day is the same!”
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