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About Julie Livesey of Pip Cottage Lancashire

Arts & crafts have always been a part of my life. I was taught knitting & sewing by my Grandma & always looked forward to getting something creative at Christmas, my favourite being a mini potters wheel. I think living in the countryside as a youngster instilled in me an appreciation of the natural environment. My dad was a gardener but it was when I had my own family & home that I developed a keen interest in gardening. I made clothes for myself & children, attended various art classes & gained a Level 3 Art qualification. I worked at Haworth Art Gallery & the local library whilst the children were growing up. 

I went on to obtain a degree in Environmental Management, the RHS Advanced Certificate in Horticulture & various professional qualifications including PTTLS (Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector) & gained work with Lancashire Wildlife Trust, initially in a supporting role. In later years I managed their community green-space improvement 'Productive Landscapes in Preston' project. 

After 10 years I decided to return to East Lancashire for the environmental charity Prospects Foundation as a Community Food Growing Coordinator. When the work became part-time I set up my own business 'Pip Cottage', utilising the skills I've gained over the years to help individuals, schools, organisations & community groups to help plan & develop their green-spaces. I also deliver a variety of creative workshops & training events. I've also used Permaculture design principles in some of the projects & am part way through studying for a Permaculture Diploma.

A few years ago I gained a passion for using willow, initially in lantern making & later to make structures for the garden &  basket making. I feel very privileged to have won a Heritage Crafts Association/NADFAS Award in 2016 and a HCA/Basketmakers Association Award in 2020, to further my study of British baskets. I will be developing basket making workshops & attending various shows & events as my skills progress.
  • Pip Cottage, Natural Craft, Basketry, Community Gardening & Training - Present
  • Basket/Willow/Children’s Willow Weaving Activities - May 2013 to present  
  • HCA/NADFAS Award 2016 - to study Traditional English Basketmaking  
  • P/T Connecting with Nature & Rewildling Project Officer - Prospects Foundation, Apr 2016 to Jul 2020
  • P/T Food Growing & Sustainability Outreach Officer -  St Christopher’s High School, September 2014 to 2016
  • F/T and P/T Cultivate Community Food Growing Co-ordinator –  Prospects Foundation, Apr 2012 to Mar 2016
  • Productive Landscapes In Preston (PLIP) Senior Project Officer for the Community Food Growing and Britain in Bloom projects 2008-12, Community Project Officer 2007/8, Local Nature Reserve Project Officer 2006/7, PLIP Support Officer 2003-5, All for the Lancashire Wildlife Trust, 2003 – Mar 2012
  • Library Assistant Lancashire County Council, 2000 – 2005
  • Assistant Librarian St Mary’s College, 2002 – 2003
  • Haworth Art Gallery Assistant Hyndburn Borough Council, 1998 - 2002
  • Assistant Environmental Project Officer Blackburn College, 1999 – 2000
  • Horticultural Therapy Support Officer Greenspace, 1998
  • Biological Heritage Sites Admin & Technical Assistant Lancashire Wildlife Trust, 1998 
  • Volunteer admin, practical conservation & educational support Volunteering with Lancashire Wildlife Trust, Cyprus Environmental Study Centre & Earthwise Environmental Consultancy, 1993 – 1997
Online: www.facebook.com/julieatpipcottage
Email:   julielivesey3@hotmail.co.uk
Phone: +447867499929

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