As autumn busts out all over, Maja Karpowicz, a Horticultural Technician for External Estates, talks us through her work and tells us about some of her top local green spots.
Plants have always been a big love of mine. I was the nerdy girl who could name most of the plants in a green space. But like many who’ve gotten into the industry more recently, I was a lockdown convert. When the pandemic hit I was working in communications and engagement with Mind, the mental health charity. I loved my job, but working from home and being sedentary wasn’t for me, and during my breaks or after work I found myself gardening. That’s when I decided I wanted a career change.
Working at Bristol appealed to me because it has such a strong, ongoing commitment to increasing biodiversity across its sites. It also provides lots of opportunities for us to involve staff and students in conservation activities, such as wildflower meadow maintenance and building bug hotels.
On the ground and in the community
I work in two teams: the Royal Fort team and the Mobile team. With my colleagues at Royal Fort Garden, I mostly manage the Cantocks Steps area which connects University Walk and Tankard’s Close to the School of Chemistry (famous for their rainbow colours which were installed in celebration of Bristol Pride in 2019). This area is home to a broad range of Australian, New Zealand and Mediterranean flora which are a feast for the eyes in the warmer seasons. As for the Mobile team, we have over 78 sites to look after, hence the name ‘Mobile!’. You may have seen a chunky truck with a Remembrance Day poppy driving around the campus – that’s us!
No two days are the same. My tasks might include pruning, weeding, planting out, watering, deadheading, litter picking (sadly, an everyday occurrence), mulching, shredding… the list goes on! The seasons will determine what plants need attention, the care method and the frequency. Things that bring me the most joy are establishing a plant and watching it flourish, learning about new plants, and pruning/deadheading (nothing more satisfying than the latter!).
As we know, access to green spaces is beneficial to our wellbeing, so providing these havens is vital – to our community and beyond. A Bristol City Council and NHS survey showed that only 43.8% of the 10% most deprived local areas are satisfied with the quality of parks and green spaces in Bristol. So providing access to our beautiful public gardens is a communal necessity; the fulfilment and pride I get from knowing this is really motivating (especially when the weather isn’t ideal!).
My favourite places
Hampton House Garden (right) is a beautiful site that few seem to know about: it has a great blend of formal and informal garden styles with its neat rose garden moving into wilder borders as you follow the hoggin path. It’s peaceful yet has a lovely buzz and is a great spot to enjoy your lunch. I also have to mention the water features at Royal Fort Garden and Goldney Gardens – the pond and the canal. I’m a sucker for dragonflies, and this summer we saw a magical display of these amazing creatures.
I’m missing the summer already (with a cool breeze, otherwise it was unbearable to work in!). Portbury Wharf, the nature reserve in Portishead, is stunning in the summer. Now we’re well into autumn, the turning of the leaves is especially beautiful to behold in Royal Fort and up at the Halls, in particular Wills Hall in Stoke Bishop. They’re just off the Clifton Downs, which is another great spot for a brisk autumnal walk on a clear day.