Rachel is the National Operator for the International Learning about Ecosystems and Forests (LEAF) programme in Ireland, run nationally by An Taisce. LEAF engages with schools, colleges and communities, helping participants reconnect with nature through education and small-scale restoration projects. Following her Undergraduate Degree in Biodiversity Conservation in Wales she studied in Sweden and completed a master’s in biology. She worked as a Green-Schools Biodiversity Officer for eight years; her role was to raise awareness about the importance of protecting biodiversity. From October 2014 to May 2016, she was based in Copenhagen, Denmark as International Director for the LEAF programme, fully responsible for the programme at an international level, setting the strategy for the development of the programme and facilitated networking between participating countries. She returned to An Taisce in 2016, as LEAF Manager, she is responsible for setting strategy, communications, monitoring and evaluating, reporting and facilitates networking between schools, colleges, and community groups.