It started with a need for support – Jen’s story

What do you do when life suddenly changes and you need support, connection and a sense of purpose?

That’s the place Jen Liggitt found herself in. Newly single, raising 3 children and looking for stability, she knew she needed community as much as she needed practical support.

Jen found both at Heart of BS13 farm in south Bristol. Heart of BS13 is a community-run flower and food farm that brings people together to grow, learn and act on climate and health. The project is part of the wider Community Climate & Nature Action Project coordinated by Bristol Climate & Nature Partnership. It is supported by the Climate Action Fund (CAF), supporting communities across the UK to act on climate change and involve more people in environmental action.

A new beginning

Big life changes can knock the ground from under your feet. Jen felt that when she became a single parent.

She wanted to feel part of something again. She also wanted to be outdoors, working with nature and doing something meaningful for her children’s future.

In 2020, during the pandemic, Jen discovered Heart of BS13 through their food security project. The project sends out meals to struggling households in the BS13 area. She wanted to give back too, which led to her helping in the community garden.

It gave her routine, fresh air and a place where people looked out for one another. Jen learned new skills, built friendships and felt her wellbeing improve at a time when many people felt isolated.

The next step

With support from CAF Jen’s volunteering grew into paid work, and she became Heart of BS13’s Closed Loop Compost Coordinator - their resident “compost expert”.

Closed‑loop composting turns local food waste into compost. This compost is then used to grow food and flowers. Jen finds this process fascinating and loves sharing it on her compost tours.

Making the world a better place, a little bit of compost at a time

Today, Jen lives and works in the community and is proud of the difference she’s making every day.

She collects food waste using BS13’s e-Carbon trike – a familiar sight around the neighbourhood. She works with over 60 households to help them separate food waste from general rubbish. Jen also collects compost from local schools and businesses. She develops high-performing compost mixes that outperform shop-bought soil.

The National Lottery funding gave Jen stability and income from something she cares about. Alongside this role, she also works part-time as a personal trainer. In this role, Jen helps older people stay active and mobile – from healthy soil to healthy joints!

“Our composting project has given lots of people the opportunity to learn about climate action and how they can be involved. On the flower farm we give people the chance to learn new skills, get their hands dirty, feel good about themselves and make a difference. To just be together and tackle that loneliness.” – Jen Liggett, Closed Loop Compost Coordinator at Heart of BS13

Jen also works with local schools, sharing her knowledge and encouraging young people to get involved. By doing practical work together, people find they reduce loneliness, improve mental health and stay active. Often, it starts with a conversation, a shovel or a cuppa.

Get started

We support environmental projects of all shapes and sizes. We offer grants from £300 up to £20,000 through our open Awards for All programme to grants over £500,000 through our Climate Action Fund.

Find out more about environment funding in your area and apply