About Rowanbank
The Place
Our main office is in central Edinburgh, which is where we develop most our workshops, courses and events. Rowanbank is the name of our rural base in the north east of Scotland. It is a beautiful traditional croft, with a number of outbuildings, and has 16 acres of land that we have planted with native trees.
We are currently converting Rowanbank into an environmental education centre that provides workshop and studio space, and also acts as a demonstration of environmental sustainability. We are trying to make the refurbishment of the house and the barns as ecological as possible, from the materials we use to the energy we don't!
The people
Lucy Power (Partner) BSc. Hons
Lucy has worked successfully with schools, community organisations, government agencies and the private sector. Her previous experience includes working as an environmental consultant for whitbybird Ltd. and Energy for Sustainable Development Ltd, and as a performer and project manager for te POOKa, an Edinburgh based performing arts charity. Lucy has a First Class degree in Ecological Science (with Honours in Environmental Science) from the University of Edinburgh and is also a qualified EcoHomes and BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) Assessor.
Recent projects include: motivational energy efficiency and waste minimisation workshops for businesses; renewable energy workshops in schools around proposed wind farm developments; development of bespoke educational materials for RWE npower renewables and community events as part of the Scottish Renewables Festival; environmental theatre productions as part of Edinburgh's Science Festival and for the Woodland Trust, the National Trust and the Scottish Wildlife Trust; environmental theatre workshops as part of Edinburgh Council's GO4IT program for young people; environmental training courses at the National Communities Resource Centre; developing community involvement strategies for renewable energy developments; and environmental assessments of buildings.
Arran Sheppard (Partner) BSc. Hons
Arran has extensive experience running environmental and community music workshops, and has been a workshop leader and performer for Orkestra del Sol (2005-2006), the Edinburgh Samba School (2002-2006) and te POOKa. (2003-2006). Arran also provides consultancy on ecological building techniques. Arran has a BSc (Hons) in Engineering with Appropriate Technology from Warwick University, and is currently doing a Masters at the Centre for Alternative Technology in Architecture with Advanced Environmental and Energy Studies.
Recent projects include: running environmental training courses at the National Communities Resource Centre; renewable energy workshops around proposed wind farm developments; development of bespoke educational materials for RWE npower renewables and community events as part of the Scottish Renewables Festival; recycled percussion workshops as part of the Nairn Active Families Easter and Summer programmes; environmental theatre productions as part of Edinburgh's Science Festival and for the Woodland Trust, the National Trust and the Scottish Wildlife Trust; environmental theatre workshops as part of Edinburgh Council's GO4IT program for young people; and an assessment of the renewable energy potential of Trafford Hall, National Communities Resource Centre.
Jackson Moulding (Environmental consultant and workshop facilitator) BSc, MSc
Jackson has a BSc in Zoology and an MSc in Environmental Pollution Control. As well as running his own business, Ecomotive Ltd, Jackson works as a consultant and workshop facilitator for Rowanbank on a regular basis. His previous experience includes working for the Centre for Sustainable Energy in Bristol, Streets Alive and Bristol City Council as an energy efficiency advisor.
Rachel Avery (Environmental consultant and workshop facilitator) Bsc. Hons
Rachel has a First Class degree in Ecological Science from Edinburgh University (with Honours in Conservation and Ecological Management). She is a highly experienced environmental educator and a qualified Forest School Leader (Level 3).
Her previous experience includes 3 years as a Community Woodland Officer for the Scottish Wildlife Trust, Environmental Education Officer in a botanic garden in Cameroon, a project worker leading Forest School sessions for the Green Team, a small environmental organisation specialising in working with socially excluded young people, and Environmental Project Worker at Currie Community High School in Edinburgh. In addition, she has worked in a freelance capacity as a trainer, workshop facilitator and event organiser for Scottish Natural Heritage, Forest Research, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and many other environmental agencies and organisations.
Cameron Hall (Workshop facilitator and performer) B.A. and Grad. Dip Education
Cameron has worked as a drama and social studies teacher for the past six years in Melbourne, Australia. Previously he worked as a performer, workshop facilitator and director for te POOKa, an Edinburgh based performing arts charity. Now back in the UK he is working with Rowanbank as a project manager, workshop facilitator and performer, and with Let's Circus, in Newcastle, as a workshop facilitator.
Jemima Thewes (illustrator and performer)
Jemima works as an illustrator, costume maker, puppeteer and actor for Rowanbank. Her creativity and enthusiasm adds a sparkle to every project she's involved in!
When travelling to our projects we use public transport whenever we can. For those times when we can't, we are members of the City Car Club, who have a strict low-emissions policy on their fleet of cars. We try to use their new hybrid vehicles whenever possible. More info on The City Car Club website