Meet our team of professional practitioners and support staff

Simon Farr 

Simon is our lead practitioner in all our Rural Craft and Therapeutic Conservation programmes, with over 30 years experience in delivering Environmental Education to all ages and a keen passion for green woodwork and rural craft.

As a wheelchair user, Simon has lived-experience of accessibility challenges and works hard to ensure all our programmes, and as far as possible the farm’s habitats, are as accessible as possible for all to enjoy.

He is also our lead practitioner for delivering programmes for children and young people facing barriers in education, excelling in bringing out the  very best in these young minds.

Rachel Farr 

With a passion for working with both plants and people, Rachel is our lead practitioner for all our Therapeutic Horticulture programmes as well as delivering care farm activities and rural crafts during sessions. With over 30 years of gardening experience, and a professional qualification in Social and Therapeutic Horticulture (STH), she brings in-depth practical knowledge that enhances the therapeutic value of our programmes. She has particular interests around the mental health benefits of STH as well as our other NBI’s. 

 As an artist, Rachel also uses her creativity when working with plants and colour schemes, developing and enhancing the therapeutic gardening spaces around the farm and increasing the enjoyment for all who visit. 

Geraint Hughes 

 Welsh speaker Geraint provides support in both our youth and adult programmes, and brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience. Having completed an apprenticeship and worked for 20 years producing engineered cylinders for the printing industry, Geraint returned to education, qualifying as a social worker in 2015. He has since enjoyed various roles employed in children services and he and his wife have also cared for children, looked after in local authority care.

Renowned for his dad jokes, Geraint keeps everyone’s spirits high, whilst combining this lighter side with practical skills, and a considerate and thoughtful personality.

Dawn Ashton 

 Dawn has been a long-term supporter of all we do here at the farm, and she shares with us a strong belief in the important role of nature connectedness in mental health recovery and is particularly passionate about supporting young people facing barriers to education.

Following on from her career with the Local Authority as a drug and alcohol support worker for young people, Dawn now gives her time freely and brings with her a wealth of experience that supports and adds further value to our sessions.

Her enthusiasm is tangible and her love of life infectious, making her a fabulously fun and knowledgeable member of our team.