Louise Cartwright:

Louise graduated from Leeds University with a first class MDES (Master of Design) in Product Design. She had two years of growing experience prior to starting Kippax CSA working at Swillington CSA for a year, as a volunteer and later as the head grower.

Whilst studying in Leeds Louise helped to set up the ‘Hyde Park Growers Coop’ on two allotment sites in Hyde Park allotments and experimented growing different varieties of produce in a urban environment.

Louise started Kippax CSA in January 2009 and received a grant from the charity Unltd to buy the polytunnel, cabin and tools. She currently works four days a week as the Network Coordinator for the LAND project at the Permaculture Association and two days a week at Kippax CSA.

Neal Stanley

Neal was a joiner for 15 years after leaving school interspersed with travel to many parts of the world. He then undertook a 4 year environmental conservation degree at Leeds University where his enthusiasm for growing was born by taking on an allotment at Woodhouse Moor (Leeds) which he still works.

Many projects were worked on with friends from University at that time such as a cycle generator, a wood burning stove (rocket stove), a slow cooker (hay box), bicycle trailer and a compost toilet, most of which are in regular use at the CSA at Kippax.

Neal and Louise met at University through a mutual love of growing and deep concern for environmental problems both locally and worldwide. Neal jumped at the chance to be involved in Kippax CSA which he believes to be an answer to many modern day environmental problems.