Jo Swinney grew up in family committed to environmental care and community. Her parents’ efforts to revitalise a small piece of land in Portugal eventually spawned an international family of organisations committed to conservation of the natural environment.         

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In this wide-ranging discussion, Jo Swinney talks to Simon Smart about growing up in a commune-type existence in Portugal where her English parents were committed to conservation and fostering biodiversity. And also community. 

Jo left for boarding school in the UK when she was 13 and live a nomadic existence for many years before settling into marriage and family in England. The smells and sounds of her childhood in Portugal never left her and nor did her commitment to hospitality and creation care.  

This is a conversation of touching honesty about family, friendship and the things that sustain us when tragedy strikes. 

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Explore:

A Rocha

Books by Jo Swinney

• A Place at The Table: Faith, hope and hospitality
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• Home: The quest to belong 
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