Junior Herbalist Club

Creative solutions, creative results.

ABOUT

Junior Herbalist Club (JHC) is a 2-year extracurricular course for children (aged 7-12) which runs for 90 minutes, once a month, for 10 months of the year. The aim of JHC is to help children learn about the healing plants around them in a safe and supervised environment. The children are taken on a journey of discovery, engaging all their senses with playful practical skills.

Junior Herbalist Club was created and developed by Medical Herbalist Mel Hornby and has been delivering herbal education to children in the UK since 2014. Mel qualified as a Medical Herbalist after completing a 5-year degree in Herbal Medicine in 2007.

After having two little boys of her own, Mel developed the JHC course so that she could share her passion for herbs with local children. Since then, JHC has developed and blossomed. With Leader Training Courses for registered Medical Herbalists being held each year, there are now over 30 official Junior Herbalist Clubs throughout the UK and Leader Training planned to go ahead in Australia in 2023.

In 2019 the National Institute of Medical Herbalists (NIMH) became involved with JHC, and now proudly support the scheme across the UK. As well as actively promoting the scheme, the Institute maintain the register of qualified JHC leaders, and award the certificates to both Leaders and children.

In 2021 Mel was awarded The Christopher Headley Memorial Award for Significant Contribution to Herbal Medicine in recognition of her development of the JHC education program.

Mel Hornby BSc (Hons) MNIMH

Founder

MEDICAL HERBALIST LYTHAM, LANCASHIRE Course Director - Junior Herbalist Club UK Institute Youth Engagement Lead

Sandra O'Neill MURHP

Course Leader

ULVERSTON, CUMBRIA

Chantal Perkins MNIMH

Course Leader

MARKET HARBOROUGH, LEICESTER

Kate Parker MNIMH

Course Leader

HAMPSHIRE

Davina Hopkinson MNIMH

Course Leader

DILSTON PHYSIC GARDEN, NORTHUMBERLAND

Zoe Power MNIMH

Course Leader

WALTHAM FOREST, LONDON

Kristine De Block BSc (Hons) MNIMH

Course Leader

MEDICAL HERBALIST CHESHAM, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE

Janet Hall MNIMH

Course Leader

AYRSHIRE, SCOTLAND

Clare Lewis MNIMH

Course Leader

CEREDIGION, WEST WALES

Tracy Smith MNIMH

Course Leader

NORTH YORKSHIRE

Jennifer Holcombe BSc MNIMH

Course Leader

HOLBEACH, LINCOLNSHIRE

Katie Holden

Course Leader

WALTHAMSTOW, LONDON

Mandy Rickard

Course Leader

FAVERSHAM, KENT

Thalia Clay-McSherry BSc MNIMH

Course Leader

MEDICAL HERBALIST RETFORD, NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

Helen Procter MNIMH

Course Leader

HUNTLEY, GLOUCESTERSHIRE

Zoe Wild BSc (Hons) MNIMH

Course Leader

LONGRIDGE, LANCASHIRE

The course structure is really well thought out, and the lesson planning and equipment and supplier list incredibly useful and easy to follow. Loved the way the course material has been written for the age group and the hands-on activities are very varied and inventive. Really brilliant to have the folder, USB and legal side also. Hugely appreciated.
Sophie (2023)

The fact that it was so hands on, it was really inspiring and how it was taught was an excellent no-nonsense approach. I have learned new skills and I feel excited to go out and teach the JHC.
Thalia (2023)

It was great to feel the excitement and learn as our inner 8-year-old. I honestly don’t see where this course could be improved on. I only have good things to say about it. Mel is such a fantastic, engaging teacher. She was so patient with all our questions, even when we rushed ahead asking questions that would be answered on the next page. The handouts are so concise. The activities are perfect. It’s exactly what I hoped it would be. I cannot wait to start teaching!
Zoe (2023)

The entire week was so much fun! I absolutely loved it. I especially loved all of the activities where we were foraging outside. I also loved all of the herbal preparation making, the folklore and anecdotes, the crafts, the label making (who knew it would be so much fun) and I even enjoyed the ‘Boring admin bits’ (Mel’s words not mine). The admin bits were really useful, as they gave us the chance to go through all of the scary bits around teaching the course. It also gave Mel the opportunity to share with us her experiences of teaching the course which was really useful. It was an amazing week. I learnt so much about herbal medicine that I didn’t learn on my degree. I felt it really inspired and sparked my passion for herbal medicine preparation making again and have since been making lots of balms and creams. The way that the course was taught it felt as though we had actually completed the JHC ourselves which was just magical as it makes it so much easier to get participants and I don’t fell as if I missed out as a child because I’ve done it too. It was so so good to do this in person with other herbalists and actually make all of the preparations as we have had a run through ourselves, which makes me feel better prepared. Mel couldn’t have done any more for us! Any queries that we had she researched and got back to us. It was more like a retreat than a course and the surroundings were just beautiful. Something for us newly qualified JHC Leaders to aspire to.
Chantal (2021)

Mel’s zest and enthusiasm for her course shone through - she shared so much knowledge whether it was about plants, remedies, children or logistics and it was all relevant, interesting, sometimes entertaining and I just learned so much from her. The course has been well designed so that the children are gradually building on their knowledge base of plants and remedies and along the way are being introduced to the likes of plant life cycles, the importance of bees and so much more. Our JHC leader’s Handbook was really a labour of love. It had so much information for every individual lesson plus templates for letters, risk assessment forms etc etc. Mel also attached a memory stick with all the templates so it will be easy for everyone to just print the paperwork off when needed. 5+ stars for definite
Davina (2021)

For me, the best part of the course was Mel’s ability to make the herbs so interesting, her passion is very obvious and this makes it all so much easier to learn and remember. The interactive part of the course is amazing, students are encouraged to join in and are offered roles each session, I thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience and cannot wait to start teaching.
Janet (2022)

Seriously, it was amazing. The delivery of the course was superb, the pace and inclusion of all the herbalists there was great. The content inspired and excited me to go out there and set up the course! The making of everything was just so exciting. I learnt so much, laughed lots, played and reignited the enjoyment of herbal medicine at its simplest yet effective ways. Thank you.
Kate (2021)

The whole thing was amazing from start to finish. The surroundings were brilliant and the EcoPod was perfect. Mel tapped into our inner 8 year old - she even changed her voice when she was running through the lesson, talking as she would to her Junior Herbalist group. I love making herbal products and the whole week was spent making herbal products, with a huge bag of goodies to bring home. There is so much information in the folder, lists of equipment needed for each lesson, all the relevant points to be made to the children and lots of little titbits to keep the children interested.
Liz (2021)

Lytham St Annes, England, United Kingdom

20May

JHC Leader Training (UK)

20/05/2024 09:00 AM - 24/05/2024 05:30 PM
Park View Road, Lytham Saint Annes, UK

Leader Training for 2024. If you are a Medical Herbalist, you can train to become a registered Junior Herbalist Leader ©. The next comprehensive training course will be taught over 5 consecutive days: Monday 20th – Friday 24th May 2024 9.00am – 5.30pm. For further information see below, or contact: Mel Hornby MNIMH Course Director Junior Herbalist Club UK Tel: 07813 840394 email: juniorherbalistclub@gmail.com

24Oct

JHC Leader Training (Australia)

24/10/2023 08:30 AM - 28/10/2023 05:30 PM
Location: To Be Announced

In conjunction with the NHAA, we are excited to announce JHC is coming to Australia! If you are a naturopath or Herbalist, you can train to become a registered Junior Herbalist Leader © The next comprehensive training course will be taught over 5 consecutive days: Monday 23rd – Friday 27th October 2023 9.30am – 5.30pm in Sydney, Australia For further details see below, or contact: Mel Hornby Course Director Junior Herbalist Club UK Tel: (+44) 07813 840394 Email: juniorherbalistclub@gmail.com or Christine Thomas Australian JHC Course Co-ordinator Tel: 0487 000 385 Email: christine.thomas@herbalextracts.com.au

30Sep

Junior Herbalist Club, Retford

30/09/2023 10:00 AM
Idle Valley Nature Reserve, DN22 8RQ

Junior Herbalist Club, Retford - now booking for September 2023! This course will be held monthly on Saturdays at 10am. If you are interested in your child(ren) attending JHC, please read the information below.

29Sep

Junior Herbalist Club, Chingford

29/09/2023 11:30 AM
Pimp Hall, E4 7HR

Junior Herbalist Club, Chingford - now booking for September 2023! There are two sessions per day. These courses will be held monthly on Friday from 11:30am. If you are interested in your child(ren) attending JHC, please read the information below.

25Sep

Junior Herbalist Club, London

25/09/2023 10:00 AM
Kite Studios, W12 9RY

Junior Herbalist Club, West London - now booking for September 2023! There are three sessions per day. These courses will be held monthly on Mondays from 10am. If you are interested in your child(ren) attending JHC, please read the information below.

23Sep

Junior Herbalist Club, Machynlleth

23/09/2023 10:00 AM
Y Plas, SY20 8DL

Junior Herbalist Club, Machynlleth - now booking for September 2023! This course will be held monthly on Saturdays at 10:30am. If you are interested in your child(ren) attending JHC, please read the information below.

16Sep

Junior Herbalist Club, Ulverston

16/09/2023 10:30 AM
Meeting House Lane, Ulverston LA12 9ND, UK

Junior Herbalist Club, Ulverston - now booking for September 2023! This course will be held monthly on Saturdays at 10:30am. If you are interested in your child(ren) attending JHC, please read the information below.

16Sep

Junior Herbalist Club, Eastleigh

16/09/2023 10:00 AM
Greenways, Chandler's Ford, Eastleigh SO53 2LE, UK

Junior Herbalist Club, Eastleigh - now booking for September 2023! This course will be held monthly on Saturdays at 10am. If you are interested in your child(ren) attending JHC, please read the information below.

16Sep

Junior Herbalist Club, Settle

16/09/2023 09:30 AM
The Place, BD24 9RH

Junior Herbalist Club, Settle - now booking for September 2023! This course will be held monthly on Saturdays at 9:30am. If you are interested in your child(ren) attending JHC, please read the information below.

15Sep

Junior Herbalist Club, Chilbolton

15/09/2023 09:30 AM
Eastman's Field, Chilbolton, Stockbridge SO20 6AT, UK

Junior Herbalist Club, Chilbolton - now booking for September 2023! This course will be held monthly on Fridays at 9:30am. If you are interested in your child(ren) attending JHC, please read the information below.

14Sep

Junior Herbalist Club, Amersham

14/09/2023 04:00 PM
Amersham Museum, HP7 0DP

Junior Herbalist Club, Amersham - now booking for September 2023! This course will be held monthly on Thursdays at 4pm. If you are interested in your child(ren) attending JHC, please read the information below. Junior Herbalist Club being held at Amersham Museum, Bucks. Classes will be held on Thursdays, starting 14th September from 4pm.

12Sep

Junior Herbalist Club, Market Harborough

12/09/2023 04:00 PM
Home Start, LE16 9BY

Junior Herbalist Club, Market Harborough - now booking for September 2023! This course will be held monthly on Tuesdays at 4pm. If you are interested in your child(ren) attending JHC, please read the information below.

12Sep

Junior Herbalist Club, Longridge

12/09/2023 12:30 PM
Hothersall Lane, Preston PR3 2XB, UK

Junior Herbalist Club, Longridge - now booking for September 2023! These courses will be held monthly on Tuesdays at 12:30am and 2pm. If you are interested in your child(ren) attending JHC, please read the information below.

09Sep

Junior Herbalist Club, Lytham St Annes

09/09/2023 11:30 AM
Park View Road, Lytham Saint Annes, UK

Junior Herbalist Club, Lytham - now booking for September 2023! This course will be held monthly on Saturdays at 11:30am. If you are interested in your child(ren) attending JHC, please read the information below.

09Sep

Junior Herbalist Club, Ulverston - Copy

09/09/2023 10:30 AM
Meeting House Lane, Ulverston LA12 9ND, UK

09Sep

Junior Herbalist Club, Alresford

09/09/2023 10:00 AM
Upper Wield, Alresford SO24 9RP, UK

Junior Herbalist Club, Alresford - now booking for September 2023! This course will be held monthly on Saturdays at 10am. If you are interested in your child(ren) attending JHC, please read the information below.

09Sep

Junior Herbalist Club, Bentham

09/09/2023 09:00 AM
Location: To Be Announced

Junior Herbalist Club, Bentham - now booking for September 2023! This course will be held monthly on Saturday at 9am. If you are interested in your child(ren) attending JHC, please read the information below.

08Sep

Junior Herbalist Club (Home Educated children), Lytham St Annes

08/09/2023 01:30 PM
Park View Road, Lytham Saint Annes, UK

Junior Herbalist Club, Lytham - now booking for September 2023! This course will be held monthly on Fridays at 1:30pm. If you are interested in your child(ren) attending JHC, please read the information below.

08Sep

Junior Herbalist Club, Hartley Witney

08/09/2023 10:45 AM
The Forest Approach, Hartfordbridge, Hartley Wintney, Hook RG27 8AE, UK

Junior Herbalist Club, Hartley Witney - now booking for September 2023! This course will be held monthly on Friday at 10:45am. If you are interested in your child(ren) attending JHC, please read the information below.

01Sep

Junior Herbalist Club, Spalding

01/09/2023 01:00 PM
342 High Road, Spalding, Lincolnshire PE12 6TG, UK

Junior Herbalist Club, Spalding - now booking for September 2023! This course will be held monthly on Fridays and Saturdays, from 1st September. If you are interested in your child(ren) attending JHC, please read the information below.

Herbal Extract Company

Gold Sponsor - JHC Leader Training

The Herbal Extract Company are the oldest Australian family run business which sells full spectrum herbal medicine throughout Australia and the world. With more than 130 years of experience the Shume family have been expertly crafting traditional herbal medicines for six consecutive generations creating healthy connections between people and plants. Making authentic herbs is in our DNA. The secret to our success is that we have been adaptable to the times. We have grown with demand by embracing science while staying true to the traditional family values. We combine time honoured wisdom with contemporary practice to help people feel their best self and we continue to assist practitioners to provide wellness to their customers. Our dedicated team of practitioner consultants are trained naturopaths, always on hand to offer personalised guidance and education, ensuring your ordering and inventory needs are taken care of.

The Pharmaceutical Plant Company

Sponsor - JHC Leader Training

PPC is 100% Australian-owned and has operated in the natural health care sector for over 30 years, providing Herbal Extracts and Organic Fresh Plant Tinctures to practitioners and industry. PPC is licensed by the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) to manufacture medicines and herbal extracts. PPC is also Certified Organic by the ACO.

Torrens University, Sydney

Sponsor - JHC Leader Training

At Torrens University Australia, you’ll learn from experts with unrivalled skills and industry experience. Over the past 15 years, we’ve brought together leading institutions in the health sector under one umbrella, including Australasian College of Natural Therapies (ACNT), Jansen Newman Institute and Southern School of Natural Therapies (SSNT). Torrens University offers a wide range of qualifications, in Complementary Medicine, Counselling, Public Health, Nursing, Beauty & Aesthetics, Community Services, Psychology, Education, Design, Business and Hospitality. Our offering includes postgraduate opportunities, as well as short courses, diplomas, bachelors, masters and PhD. Perfect for those looking to upskill or even make a career change.

Creative solutions, creative results.

Registered JHC Leaders

Mel Hornby BSc (Hons) MNIMH

Sandra O'Neill MURHP

Chantal Perkins MNIMH

Kate Parker MNIMH

Davina Hopkinson MNIMH

Zoe Power MNIMH

Kristine De Block BSc (Hons) MNIMH

Janet Hall MNIMH

Clare Lewis MNIMH

Tracy Smith MNIMH

Jennifer Holcombe BSc MNIMH

Katie Holden

Mandy Rickard

Thalia Clay-McSherry BSc MNIMH

Helen Procter MNIMH

Zoe Wild BSc (Hons) MNIMH

Education

Specialist Herbal Education for Children

Registered Leader Training

Notes for Adults

Gallery - JHC

Gallery - Leaders

Leader Testimonials

Contact

Events

Sponsors - JHC Leader Training

Herbal Extract Company

The Pharmaceutical Plant Company

Torrens University, Sydney

Videos

Sponsors