Paula Harvey is based in Islington. She has been a Ranger since April 2021. Paula’s focus is creating a bridge between education settings and the natural world, recognising that children are the cornerstone of change. By day she is the Founder-Director of Urban Forest Tribe CIC.
Q1
what inspired you to become a ranger?
I first heard about London National Park City through an event back in 2019. Two Rangers were handing out the Maker Paper outside the event, and I was curious, so I joined in. I felt really connected to everything they were saying, and they mentioned I’d be great as a Ranger. So, I decided to apply, and here we are.
Q2
How are you making London greener, healthier, and wilder?
Through our CIC, we deliver a variety of sessions that connect children and adults of all abilities and needs to nature through fun and engaging activities. We use a blended approach of Forest School, bushcraft, and environmental learning to create a fun and safe environment for everyone. We work closely with schools, not only to deliver Urban Forest School sessions but also to support them in rewilding their grounds. Additionally, we collaborate with our friends in local green spaces, involving children and adults in caring for these areas, planting trees, and more.
Q3
What do you think has the single most positive impact of the environmental initiatives you’ve been part of?
The most positive impact has been supporting families of children with SEND, helping them feel connected to nature in a safe, non-judgmental green space. It’s so powerful for children to experience their local park, feel the soil, plant a tree, and simply enjoy being outdoors without feeling judged. Creating this space for them to thrive in nature is incredibly rewarding.
Q4
What have you gained from being part of the LNPC Community?
Connection. Being part of the LNPC community has brought me together with like-minded people from all walks of life, sharing passion and ideas. I’ve definitely made some lifelong friends, and I have so many ideas for the movement growing stronger and more connected. It can only get better from here.
Q5
Describe your proudest moment as a ranger
My first proudest moment was highlighting the importance of our SENDay family sessions. Michael Shilling, a fellow Ranger who’s just fabulous, came down to visit us during one of our sessions. These sessions were born out of a necessity from the families we work with – they asked us if we could create a space like this, so we delivered and found the funding. Our SENDay sessions bring together a small group of families with children with SEND and their siblings, creating a lovely community. Over the last few years, we’ve started taking the families on trips, and it’s been so much fun and so rewarding to see everyone come together.
My second was bringing a large group of Rangers together for our CIC’s first-ever Earth Day event in Stratford last year funded by LNPC. It was a huge undertaking, but I felt confident and made sure to showcase each Ranger individually, as that’s really important to me. Sometimes, their individual contributions get lost when we talk about Rangers as a collective. We’re fortunate to have received funding again this year from LNPC, which will allow us to bring a large group of Rangers together once more.
Q6
Describe your most challenging moment as a Ranger and how you overcame it
To be honest, I’m not sure if I’d call it my most challenging moment, but there was a Ranger meeting a while back where I was running late. The venue was small, and it was wonderful to see so many Rangers attending, but unfortunately, we were all seated in a circle with not much space to stretch out or take movement breaks. I felt extremely anxious and struggled to concentrate, and I even remember wanting to leave. A few other Rangers left for similar reasons. I gave feedback afterward, as securing a venue that’s inclusive and comfortable for everyone is really important. Since then, I’ve become more proactive in asking questions about the venue before attending a Ranger meeting, and I’m also happy to help find more inclusive venues if needed, ensuring we create a welcoming environment for everyone.
Q7
What’s next for you as a ranger?
What’s next for me as a Ranger is ensuring the LNPC Education Network gets off the ground. It’s been dormant for a few years, and I’m a passionate advocate for children’s voices – they need to be heard. As Rangers and part of LNPC, and everything it stands for, it’s our responsibility to be their voice – children are our future. With the help of fellow Rangers, we’re working to make this a reality in 2025. With the Department of Education now requiring all schools to have a sustainability lead and a climate action plan, I strongly believe LNPC can play a vital role in supporting schools with this initiative.
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Q8
What continues to motivate you on your Ranger journey?
What continues to motivate me on my Ranger journey is the chance to make a real difference in people’s lives by connecting them with nature. Seeing the impact we have on individuals – whether it’s children feeling empowered through outdoor learning or families coming together in a shared space – this keeps me inspired. I’m also motivated by the idea of helping shape the future of our green spaces and ensuring they’re accessible and inclusive for all. The potential to be part of something bigger, to influence positive change, and to see the ripple effect of our work within our CIC and the Ranger work is incredibly rewarding.
Q9
What has been your most memorable encounter with nature in London?
I’m outdoors most days, both for work and for my own wellbeing, as being with nature is essential to me. It’s where I feel connected to our beautiful planet – shoes off, feeling the earth beneath me. Even when I’m indoors or at a meeting, I look for green – whether it’s a small plant pot or any little piece of nature I can find. I have so many great memories of nature in London. Sometimes, it’s hard to find, especially in the city’s concrete jungle, but when I look down at the cracks in the paving stones, I’m reminded that nature always finds a way to peek through. That’s what I love about it – no matter where we are, nature will always find a way.
Q10
How can we encourage more people to ‘Do London Differently’?
To encourage more people to ‘Do London Differently’, we can start by bringing nature into everyday life in an inclusive way. Offering workshops and activities that reconnect people with the natural world, even in small ways, helps them rediscover the beauty right on their doorstep. Nature doesn’t judge or take sides – it welcomes everyone. Slowly introducing nature into urban spaces and reminding people of its presence can create a greater appreciation for it. Nature will always be there, and we are part of it. It’s about making nature accessible and showing that it’s not something separate from our lives but an integral part of them.
Q11
It’s 2029…as a community, what do you hope LNPC would have achieved by our 10th anniversary? And what might London look like as a result?
By 2029, I hope to see a movement where many educational settings have been rewilded, providing children with hands-on experiences and a deeper connection to nature. Workshops and training for education settings, communities, and outreach Ranger support would be in place across each borough, ensuring a wider reach and understanding of how to engage with nature. A more connected London through nature would be wonderful, with Rangers fully aware of their roles and where to go for support. As a result, we’d see a city where nature is seamlessly woven into the fabric of daily life, and communities are more connected, both to each other and to the environment around them.
And for London National Park City to grow in supporting Rangers. A lot of us are small, grassroots organisations – many nonprofits. If there could be a hub for such organisations to connect in a safe and supportive environment, to share ideas/concerns and support each other with London National Park City playing a central role – that would help all of us.
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Learn more about the work that Paula is doing at @urban_forest_tribe
Read more Ranger Stories here.
Find out more about London National Park City and how you can get involved by visiting our About Us page
Together, we can make London greener, healthier, and wilder..
