I have the joy of leading the work here at Woodoaks Farm guiding our strategy to create a sustainable food and farming hub. I work with our team, tenants, and local communities to create opportunities for learning, connection and action towards a more sustainable food system that reconnects people to food farming and nature.
After decades supporting entrepreneurs, I returned to study environmental science and discovered how farming with nature can tackle climate, biodiversity, and health. I now apply that same energy to reimagining food and farming, building new models for education, community, and sustainability.
From my first meeting with Sally Findlay, I knew Woodoaks was special. It’s a privilege to help carry forward the gift she left our community with The Soil Association Land Trust, working alongside such a dedicated team to protect, restore and reimagine this much-loved farm.
Being in nature, watching in wonder at its diversity, its resilience, its beauty has been the best thing about working at Woodoaks Farm.
My role is to identify, manage, and secure external funding to develop Woodoaks and other farms within the Soil Association Land Trust. Most recently, I led the successful Black Barn Project appeal, raising over £2.5M – exceeding our target to deliver a new Community and Education Hub for Woodoaks Farm.
I’ve spent over 40 years in fundraising, beginning in the arts in London before moving to Bristol in 2014, where my first capital appeal sparked a lasting passion for major gift fundraising. Living in Bristol also introduced me to the Soil Association, inspiring me to apply my experience to the environmental sector. I joined the Woodoak’s team initially as a freelance bid writer before taking on a full-time role once the Black Barn Project’s potential became clear.
Working on such a meaningful, grassroots environmental project that reconnects people to nature and food is hugely rewarding. I visit the farm regularly with my faithful fox terrier, Freddy, who loves exploring it as much as I do. We both love being in the great outdoors and being able to combine a love of nature with a fulfilling job is an absolute privilege.
My main responsibility on the farm is to ensure that our incredible group of volunteers are able to support the nature-friendly farming that we do on-site. Working with our stakeholders, both on and off the farm, to deliver meaningful practical connection to food, farming and nature.
After training in nature conservation with Bucks, Berks and Oxon Wildlife Trust (BBOWT), I have worked on a range of habitats as a Ranger including some incredible chalk grassland SSSI – Site of Special Scientific Interest)
I’m passionate about working with people to give nature a fighting chance wherever we can and am excited to help Woodoaks Farm to develop their plans for nature-friendly and sustainable farming.
I’ve always loved being outdoors, and after a career change from teaching/coaching into conservation, I now channel that passion into supporting nature. My background in sports, particularly cricket, even gave me the unique experience of sub-fielding for the MCC at Lord’s playing against Nepal.
I work as the Community Engagement and Partnerships Manager here on the farm. I’ve lived locally to Woodoaks for 40 years. It’s not that I lack adventure – I just truly believe in what our area has to offer.
My role is storyteller, communicator, and connector – inspiring people about what we’re doing on the farm and encouraging them to join our Woodoaks journey so that together we can reach more people, create greater positive impact, and accelerate change both locally and beyond.
I began my career as a senior marketing manager in the music industry, looking after bands like Blur and Queen. When family life arrived, I retrained to follow my passion and became a professional photographer, which I continue to use in everything I do. Before joining Woodoaks, I spent three years at Electric Umbrella, a music charity working with learning-disabled people, in a similar community engagement role. That experience opened my eyes to how much work is still needed to make everyday life and opportunity accessible for all.
It’s exciting to be part of a vision that’s breathing new life into the community – a place where ideas grow, hope is seeded, and people of all ages come together to commune and connect with nature whilst learning how to tread more lightly on this beautiful planet.
