I am really privileged to work both theoretically and practically with the relationship between people and plants through my practices as: a herbalist, environmental archaeologist, a writer, a researcher, and as a grower and maker of herbal medicines and organic food.
My journey with plants and people started with archaeology over 20 years ago. I have a PhD
in Environmental Archaeology from the University of York, looking at the relationship between plants and people in the southern French Alps. In 2018, I set-up Richer Environmental where I focus on analysing pollen grains preserved on archaeological sites around the world to understand the plants
people were eating and growing in the past, and how the environment has changed over
time.
In 2021 I trained as a herbalist because I wanted to be working more directly with plants, and, with people who were still alive! I continue to work as both a herbalist and archaeologist – with plants and people weaving between them. I have particular interests in herbal history, especially relating to Cumbria, and how non-industrialised ways of living can be relevant to health today. I am secretary of the Herbal History Research Network.
I now balance my time between seeing clients, writing, events, the herb garden and my kitchen in Kendal, Cumbria.
I offer full herbal consultataions, shorter bespoke tea consultations, and I also give talks and sell a range of herbal teas at local events. The herbal teas are blended to support the seasons and cycles of life and, where possible, I grow the herbs for them. I am working towards making the teas 100% grown and blended in Cumbria.
Suzi Richer 