Meet Naomi Gunasekara, our new Environmental Scientist at Botanicoir. With a lifelong passion for nature and a background in Ecological and Environmental Sciences from the University of Edinburgh, Naomi brings energy and expertise to our sustainability and community initiatives. From coordinating pollinator gardens to helping growers navigate environmental standards, she’s at the heart of Botanicoir’s commitment to a greener, more resilient future.
Q: Could you give us some information about your background?
A: I’ve always loved nature and environmental conservation. My passion started after watching The Lion King as a child. I studied Ecological and Environmental Sciences at the University of Edinburgh and have volunteered extensively, including at community gardens, river surveys, the People’s Summit Climate Conference at COP26, and environmental education projects for children. I also completed a traineeship with the London Wildlife Trust and spent three years at The Conservation Volunteers, running the Green Gyms project, leading local volunteers in practical conservation while delivering health and skills benefits.
Q: How would you describe your role in a sentence?
A: My role combines several aspects, all focused on enhancing existing and developing new environmental and community initiatives at Botanicoir.
Q: What does a typical day look like?
A: My days vary a lot! Generally, I coordinate community engagement initiatives, review and improve environmental practices, work on new projects like our pollinator garden, and track environmental legislation to help our growers meet upcoming standards.
Q: What excites you most about the role?
A: I love that Botanicoir genuinely cares about the environment and community, and that the directors support and encourage new projects. It’s incredibly rewarding to help bring initiatives to life and see their impact.
Q: What do you most look forward to contributing as the business grows?
A: Botanicoir has always gone above and beyond for the community and environment. With sustainability as a key target for 2026, I’m excited to use my background in ecology to help implement new biodiversity projects and achieve our sustainability goals.
Q: What do you enjoy outside of work?
A: I love growing wildlife-friendly vegetables and flowers, photography, and crocheting. I’ve recently started violin and filmmaking, and I volunteer with a local litter-picking group, helping clean up wetland reserves.
