Lucy Trant

Background

About Lucy Trant

Horticulture Professional | Landscaping Business Owner | Senior Instructor at KPFA | Founder of Green Thumbs Up (GTU) Social enterpriseWith over 27 years of experience running my own landscaping and maintenance business,"Trants Plants" in North Kerry, my passion for new projects and challenges led me to pursue a Master's in Innovative and Sustainable Land Use with MTU, which I completed with honours in October 2024.My research thesis focused on combating the spread of the invasive weed Japanese Knotweed, a critical issue in land management worldwide. This research has equipped me with specialised knowledge and practical strategies to address this invasive species effectively.I am also Senior Instructor at Kerry Parents and Friends Association (KPFA) which is a service provider for people with Intellectual Disabilities(ID) throughout Kerry. Here I help develop and deliver gardening programs that support individuals with intellectual disabilities.I am also the Initiator/Founder of Green Thumbs Up (GTU), a social enterprise that started in 2023 and whose purpose is to provide meaningful employment opportunities to people with intellectual disabilities through co-facilitating gardening and team building workshops to individuals, businesses and the local community. I am passionate about social enterprise and community development as powerful tools to create a more sustainable and inclusive future. Through these initiatives, we can address social inequalities while building a stronger, more resilient community.I am also eager to collaborate with landowners and agricultural professionals to promote sustainable land practices, optimise land use, and offer tailored solutions for tackling invasive species like Japanese Knotweed. Let’s work together to ensure our land thrives for generations to come and contribute to a more sustainable and inclusive future!