Our Team
| Jenny Howard Coles – Director |
Jenny joined the Farm in 2023. She has worked in local government and charities and has lots of experience in developing community services, fundraising, and community-led environmental action. Jen grew up locally, came to Farm Club as a child and spent lots of time mucking about on the allotments and Narroways in her teens. She wants to see the Farm become more resilient for the long term, and for the people we support to continue to shape what we do.
Isabel Patrick –
Head of Operations
Isabel has been a dedicated member of the Farm team since 2007. With a background in teaching, she initially focused on developing the Childhood Learning Program, which included organising primary school visits, Forest School sessions, and creating holiday camps and afterschool programs. Over the years, she has contributed to a variety of projects across the Farm, such as designing the outdoor amphitheatre, managing seasonal events, and even working on the Farm’s finances. Currently, Isabel supports the staff team, overseeing Human Resources, Safeguarding, Wellbeing, and Training. She plays a key role in the day-to-day operations of the Farm and works closely with the Director to support the Farm’s long-term goals and vision.
Lily Read –
Finance Operational Manager
Lily is the farm’s Finance Manager, making sure the numbers add up so the animals (and humans!) can thrive. She’s worked across a range of fast-paced industries, from events and festivals to wine and science, bringing an adaptable, hands-on approach to every role. These days she’s all about spreadsheets, budgeting, and bookkeeping, and she is currently working towards becoming fully AAT qualified to level up her finance skills even further.
Celia Briseid –
MarComms & Events Operational Manager
Celia leads on marketing, communications, and events at the Farm, connecting its work with the wider community. She manages the Farm’s seasonal fairs that welcome thousands of visitors each year. She also creates content for the Farm’s digital channels and newsletters, sharing stories that reflect our values and impact. With 10 years’ experience managing and supporting social enterprises and charities, Celia brings communication and planning skills to inspire enthusiasm for food, sustainability, and urban farm life.
Jess Acreman –
Admin Officer
Jess is our friendly “front of house” at the Farm, often the first point of contact for visitors and enquiries. She joined the team in 2022 and now manages space hire and wedding bookings across the Farm’s venues, oversees the nearby AVAA allotments, and supports customer service for Propagation Place. Jess brings warmth, organisation, and a welcoming approach to everything she does, helping ensure the Farm runs smoothly for our community and visitors alike.
Alex Bowsher –
Sites Operational Manager
Alex has worked with adult volunteer groups leading practical conservation and landscaping activities. He first came to the farm in 2016 in a Volunteer Officer role and helped to set up the volunteer project, before becoming the Volunteer Manager in 2018. As well as steering the project he also took a lead role in managing Boiling Wells, our community woodland, before progressing into the Sites Operational Role in 2024. He now leads on managing all our green spaces and infrastructure.
Martha Robbins –
Fundraising Operational Manager
Martha tells the story of the Farm and build relationships with our supporters. Each year it costs around £690,000 to keep our Farm free-to-enter 7 days a week for 60,000 visitors annually, and run our support groups and community projects reaching 9,300 people. Her job is to inspire the Foundations, individuals, and companies who love the Farm to donate to our charity, and keep our doors open!
Celeste Datta –
Child and Youth Manager
Celeste manages the Child and Youth Project at the farm. She’s worked in schools for over ten years, and her role at the farm includes managing our alternative education placements and school visits as well as our sessions for young people to support social engagement, connection with nature and increased skills during the weekends and holidays. She enjoy working with partner organisations to support their work with young people using the animals and our beautiful Boiling Wells site.
Sarah Flint –
Supported Farming and Green Care Manager
Sarah has 30 years of gardening experience behind her, and she is putting her skills and knowledge to good use at the Farm’s day service for neurodiverse adults. She has worked in various roles at the Farm and has been in this post for 6 years. She enjoys being able to share her love of horticulture as well as ensure our groups get the best experience they can from their time here.
