Sandra Baer grew up in Switzerland and has previously worked as a librarian, on a horse ranch and as a National Trust ranger. She is also a co-steward of Lynbreck Croft and enjoys spending time growing food and working with their animals to enrich our soils and community.

Lynn Cassells has worked in nature-based jobs for the last 16 years. She is the co-steward of Lynbreck Croft. She loves sharing their story with people who visit them and engage with their work in the hope that it helps others to reconnect to themselves, others and nature.

Mhairi Hall is a pianist, composer and producer. She was raised in the Cairngorms and still lives there with her family. She has performed internationally and recorded with many leading musicians, bands and singers and is regarded as one of the finest and most creative pianists from Scotland. 

Rachel Hunt grew up in the Cairngorms. She is a now Senior Lecturer at the University of Edinburgh and is bringing up her young family in the area. Her work is focused on cultural landscapes, climate heritage and socioecological care. 

Fiona Keir is a Community Development Officer at the Highlands & Islands Climate Hub. She is now based in Nairn having studied geography at Loughborough University. She enjoys working with communities to preserve, enhance and understand their local environment.

Joan Lawrie is the Chief Executive Officer of the Highlands and Island’s Climate Hub. She lives in the Scottish Highlands and has a background in child and youth studies and sustainable development that shape her engaged and justice focused approach to climate action.

Gabriela Nagle is passionate about climate change and, having grown up in the Cairngorms, is now studying Sustainable Development at the University of Edinburgh. Being part of this project has enabled her to see the place she grew up through new eyes.

Jill O’Reilly is a primary school teacher and parent with a background in ecology and outdoor education. Teaching in Carrbridge provides Jill with many opportunities to be outdoors with her pupils and she loves to see how the natural world inspires creativity, and connection.

Sarah Parry lives with her family in the Cairngorms. She is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Edinburgh. Her professional and personal life overlap in many ways, including through this project with its focus on communities and socioecological care. 

Margarete Paschke lives in Carrbridge and as a committed and serial volunteer, recognised a need for an outdoor space to gather and share. For her the Orchard has been, and will continue to be, a journey of curiosity and learning.

Dennis Sisterson is a sketchnoter, illustrator and animator with over 25 years of industry experience in both TV and independent work. He lives in Northumberland alongside a lot of time in the Highlands visiting family.

Caroline Sterritt has worked as a project development officer in sport and music. She is passionate about the protection of biodiversity and nature connection for planetary survival. She volunteers with Cairngorms Connect Tree Nursery and Carrbridge Community Orchard.