Next up on our BALI Chalk Fund at 50 series is Lynn Hunter (pictured above receiving the Grower of the Year Awards in 2005 on behalf of Coles Nurseries). Lynn joined the Fund Support team in 2025 alongside Diane McCulloch, but has over 25 years’ in the landscape and horticulture sector behind her. What has she learned over that quarter century? Let’s see..
What do you wish you knew when you started your career in the landscape sector?
If I’d have known that the landscape and horticulture sectors had such a rich variety of roles, characters, opportunities and layers, I’d have come over to the green side sooner!
What was the best piece of advice you received, early in your career?
A simple one, but it’s stood me in good stead. In a conversation, make sure you LISTEN and show that you’re listening through your expression and body language – don’t ever give the impression you’re just waiting for them to finish so that you can say your piece!
How has the fund developed over 50 years?
I can’t speak for the last 50 years as I’ve only known of the BALI Chalk Fund in depth over the past 12 months. But what I DO know is that the wealth of knowledge, centuries (!) experience and depth of industry commitment from the Trustees is being paid back in an exponential increase in Champion funding and donations over the past few years – and 2025 has ramped up even further. Really pleased to be able to offer my metaphorical megaphone to the team as we promote the Awards, Grants and Enrichment Programmes to the land-based education sector… and the future of UK landscape generation.
This is just one in the latest series of “The BALI Chalk Fund at 50” series of mini-interviews.