Tell us a bit about your life away from Fordhall. Do you work? What hobbies or pursuits do you have?
I work part-time for a charity working in environmental sustainability, but that’s my current career. Previously I was an accountant before I decided to ‘be brave’ and change career. I love being outside and my personal ‘motto’ is ‘hopefully outdoors’. That mainly takes the form of working on my allotment, running and cycling, all of which I love, as well as volunteering outdoors for various organisations, whether on farms, nature trails or in woodland.
How did you hear about Fordhall?
In the summer of 2011, when I was studying as part of my career change, I came across the ‘Fight to Save Fordhall Farm’ book in my local library. The story ‘rang a bell’ but I couldn’t remember where I’d read about the farm (The Ecologist?) Anyway, I quickly read the book and in a few months I was a shareholder and attending my first volunteering weekend in the autumn of 2011.
When and why did you become a volunteer? What does volunteering give you?
Volunteering is not new to me, but volunteering on a farm was! I can remember driving up early on that Saturday in October 2011 and being quite nervous. However, from that very first morning what struck me most was both the real sense that my presence and the gift of my time was totally appreciated, and that my safety and well-being whilst volunteering was really important to Charlotte and the team. But I volunteer at Fordhall because I want to support, and show my appreciation, for what the farm represents: community ownership and nature sensitive-farming.
In return Fordhall gives me some really interesting experience, the opportunity to meet people that share my interests but from hugely varying backgrounds, and also what at times feels like an endless supply of tea and cake. I love my tea!
Why is supporting Fordhall important to you?
Supporting Fordhall is the best way of showing that a different way of farming is possible; a virtuous circle of nature, community and farming.
What do you enjoy most about volunteering here? Any stand-out moments or special memories?
I appreciate how much flexibility and support there is to find a job for volunteers that takes account of their physical needs, or aspirations in terms of experience, and how every contribution is valued.
I’ve been lucky enough to do lots of interesting things, sometimes involving lots of mud (!), but the most special memory was being part of the team that installed the roof on top of the roundhouse. I’ll never forget that and I was so pleased that others provided the challenging brain power and I just had to give some physical power!
What would you say to someone considering volunteering who hasn’t before?
Fordhall is such a special place for me, and my time volunteering is, perhaps strangely, what I consider rest and renewal. I have total confidence you’d enjoy the opportunities that exist to make a difference and learn new skills, the care you’ll receive as a volunteer, and the food!
To find out more about volunteering and volunteer weekend dates please visit: https://www.fordhallfarm.com/get-involved/volunteer/
This article was first featured in the Spring 2023 edition of the Grazer magazine. For more info and to subscribe, visit:
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