Susannah is the Nature Recovery Ranger at Mount Vernon Cancer Centre managed by East and North Hertfordshire Teaching NHS Trust and The Hillingdon Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. She is one of the rangers for the Healthy by Nature project, which is funded by the National Lottery Community Fund.
My career in conservation has spanned over two decades, working largely for environmental charities including Butterfly Conservation and The Wildlife Trusts. I’ve taken on a range of roles over the years— from practical habitat management and species surveying to community engagement and environmental education. A particular highlight was leading the project to reintroduce the Chequered Skipper butterfly to England, returning the species to its former habitat after an absence of 40 years.
What drew me to the Nature Recovery Ranger role was the opportunity to combine my passion for wildlife with the belief I have in nature’s ability to support people’s wellbeing. Over the years, I’ve worked with people from many different backgrounds and have seen the powerful impact that time in nature can have on both physical and mental health. On a more personal level, I used nature as a source of comfort and connection when supporting my dad during his terminal illness—making sure he had time outdoors when possible and bringing nature to him when it wasn’t. Those moments have stayed with me, and it’s important to me that others have the chance to benefit from the positive, restorative effects of connecting with the natural world.
Butterflies have become a bit of a personal passion after my years with Butterfly Conservation—along with sharing the often-overlooked wonders of moths! I also have a strong background in managing a wide range of wildlife habitats and love helping people discover the nature that exists right on their doorstep.
One of the best parts of this role so far has been exploring the Mount Vernon site and all the different green spaces it offers. I’ve really enjoyed meeting staff, hearing their ideas and learning what matters most to them when it comes to nature and wellbeing. I already have several favourite spots, depending on the weather and my mood. But the wildflower meadow—created as part of an earlier pilot Nature Recovery Ranger project—has given me particular joy. It’s bursting with colour and alive with butterflies and other insects. I love starting my day by walking through it and seeing what wildlife is out and about.
I’m excited to watch the site change with the seasons – especially to see what autumn brings in terms of colour and wildlife. I’m also looking forward to seeing our upcoming green space projects take root. Over the next year, we’ll be focusing on improving some of the gardens around the Chemo Centre and hospital wards, setting up a new community allotment and running a programme of outdoor wellbeing sessions for staff, patients and local community groups.
While I have lots of experience in conservation and wildlife, horticulture is a newer area for me—so I’d really appreciate anyone sharing their advice on setting up a thriving community allotment. If you have any tips, or if you know of local community groups who might benefit from access to Mount Vernon’s green spaces and activities, please do get in touch – I’d love to hear from you.
To get in touch with Susannah, email info@nhsforest.org.
Banner image: Susannah on site at Mount Vernon. Susannah O’Riordan/CSH, 2025.