The FCLI Board Members

“I believe that the only viable future for this planet depends on humans respecting nature and working with it rather than against it. I want to be part of the future development of Fordhall, taking it to the next step. Because I have mobility problems I can’t walk around the farm, but I can bring ideas about how Fordhall can involve disabled people.”

“With a Master’s Degree in Business Management and HND in Hospitality, I worked for Lloyds Banking Group for 25 years. I now have two organic allotments in Market Drayton and am Secretary of the local Allotment Association. I have previously supported Fordhall via Market Drayton Round Table, also as a customer and regular visitor.”

“I am a trained psychotherapist, counsellor and businesswoman who is used to adapting quickly and efficiently to different environments in years of contract work. I have recently updated my skills with an ILM level 5 in leadership and management. I have been a keen plantswoman all my life with a special interest in sustainable farming, edible landscapes, permaculture and forest gardening.”

“I have been working in retail for 16 years, predominantly in food where my passions lie. In 2017 I joined Daylesford Organic, a farm shop and hospitality business based on an organic farm in the Cotswolds. After four years running their shops and cafés in London I moved up to the farm to take on the Head of Sustainability role. I love data and currently lead the business’ carbon assessments and on-site renewables projects, last year securing an award for our low-carbon farm-to-shelf merino wool collection. I am driven by educating young minds to inspire future generations and make nature accessible to everyone. I am actively involved with industry bodies including the Soil Association and the Organic Trade Board.”

“My husband and I ran a businesss together, Ecosac, supplying compostable bags and sacks made from corn starch. These are still in use in the Farm Shop today. I am committed to the environment and do what I can to help protect the future of our world. The ethos and ethics of Fordhall encompass all that is good. From the sale, the treatment and rearing of its animals, to the way staff and members are involved with its progress.”

“I began my career in agriculture, progressing into a variety of teaching roles. During my first ten years of teaching at Reaseheath Agricultural College, I taught dairy husbandry and business management. I have always had an interest in sustainable farming, and I believe that Fordhall Farm is an excellent showcase to demonstrate how we can live in parallel with nature and demonstrate a sustainable farming system.”

“I am the Founder and Director of We Can Change the World, a sustainability education and consultancy organisation; I am the Co-Founder and Director of the creative liberation collective, Nuin; I am an Advisory Board Member supporting the strategic vision and innovation agenda of executive search and leadership development organisation, The Good Board; and I am a Coach, Musician, Artist, and Philosopher. I have an immense passion and endless curiosity for humans and our connection to self, each other and our beautiful planet. My mission is to empower these connections.”

“With a First Class MSc (Hons) in Countryside Management, I am currently the Head of Land Strategy. I have worked in strategy and innovation for the last decade within the environmental regulatory landscape, building partnerships in the private and third sector. Sourcing quality local food is a must in our household so when my wife and I moved to Shropshire in 2017 we quickly found Fordhall Farm and immediately fell in love with it.”

“I am a pragmatic and personable business leader, who drives and inspires natural change, inspired by balanced ecosystems. I am seasoned in delivering strategic transformational development programmes across major organisations within the public and private sectors, that impacts individual progress, team dynamics and multiple bottom-line performance. I believe, personally, that it’s time to expand awareness to present and future generations to understand and develop capabilities for sustainability. I have been a shareholder since the start of the Fordhall campaign and been to the farm many times to see the marvellous work that is being carried out.”

“I am a rural practice Chartered Surveyor, grew up near to Fordhall and worked on many of the local farms. Previously, I had 15 years progressing to Partner with property consultants Strutt & Parker. I am Chairman of the FCLI Estates Management subgroup, and have been a Board Member since 2006.”

“My first visit to Fordhall may have been an accident, years ago, but I must have been hooked by the Fordhall experience as I have never looked back as an active volunteer ever since. I also have a track record in business, SMEs, charities, fundraising, community engagement and development of the outdoors (through my work with the Pirate Castle on the inland waterways, and on the Canal and River Trust London & SE Regional Advisory Board).”

“Shropshire Wildlife Trust holds a number of reserves in the county and does a huge amount of work in education and promoting the value of green space. It is particularly interested in creating examples of farming in partnership with wildlife and biodiversity.”

“Having grown up at Fordhall, I now manage the organic land and livestock at Fordhall Farm, and am keen to promote the business as sustainable and educational. I love working on the farm and assisting the FCLI with its future development.”