DIRECTOR & FOUNDER
RASHID BENOY
Rashid is a passionate horticulturist with a love of nature. Alongside a breadth of experience gained in the horticulture industry, including work for the National Trust in their Cornish gardens, he has also worked and volunteered with charities where gardening is used as a therapy. He is currently involved with Black Mountains College where he is the tutor on the Regenerative Horticulture course and horticultural lead on the farm campus land use committee.
HORTICULTURAL THERAPIST
JANICE POWELL
Before commencing work at Flora Cultura, Janice worked within the NHS as an Occupational Therapist for over 20 years. Janice has gained a wealth of experience: working with children and young people; people with learning disabilities and autism; older people with physical and mental health conditions. Janice is an enthusiastic gardener and has always been interested in nature-based care, the therapeutic use of horticulture and the benefits it provides to peoples’ health and well-being, leading her to successfully complete an MSc in Social and Therapeutic Horticulture.
HORTICULTURAL THERAPIST
LUCY NASH
Lucy is an integrative counsellor and a registered member of the British Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy. She has experience of working in an outdoor therapy setting, and is a strong believer in the connection between nature and wellness. Lucy is currently affiliated with Mind, where she delivers therapy to people suffering with their mental health.
CHAIR OF TRUSTEES
JAMES LUCKHURST
James is a self employed editor and communications consultant. Formerly a BBC world service journalist, he moved to Powys in 2014. He also volunteers as a special constable with Dyfed Powys Police.
TRUSTEE & CONSULTANCY SUPERVISION
Rachel is a firm believer in the therapeutic power of horticulture! She is an integrative therapist and EMDR practitioner and is an accredited member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy, and currently works for Powys Teaching Health Board in Primary Mental Health, as well as in private practice as a counsellor and supervisor. Previously Rachel has worked extensively with people with learning disabilities, including as a senior advocate in Powys and setting up a horticultural therapy project for Kensington and Chelsea Mencap. She has also supported people who are neurodivergent, asylum seekers and the long-term unemployed.
TRUSTEE
Karl is a believer in the ethos of Flora Cultura and what can be achieved through horticulture. ‘Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished’.