The Autumn 2024 News …

Donna Crump- Befriending Coordinator

Donna joined the team in October 2024. Her befriending coordinator role involves helping those people in our community who may be feeling lonely or challenged by introducing them to a farming friend who can offer company, a listening ear and laughter. She grew up next door to a farm which sparked a love for the outdoors and rural life. She has been a resident of the Peak District for over twenty five years spending her spare time walking on the hills and dales of Derbyshire.

Chloe Redfearn- Activities Coordinator for Children

Chloe, her partner and children  have a dairy farm on the edge of Matlock and is a teacher outside of her role at The Farming Life Centre. She is passionate about improving the emotional wellbeing and mental health of children and young people from rural backgrounds . 

Tony Faulkner-Communications and Events Coordinator

Tony comes from a land management background in New Zealand where he had a long history of working with farmers on a range of issues involving soil erosion and water quality. He is now based in Wirksworth and joined the team in September 2024.

Alice Bettney- Farm Business Project Coordinator

Alice is a farmer’s daughter from the Hope Valley and has worked in agriculture for the past 10 years.

She joined the team in November 2022 as Farm Business Project Coordinator. In her role Alice coordinates the farm for the future workshops and offers practical support helping rural businesses to navigate the agricultural policy changes.

Tiffany Belfield-Rural Resilience and Business Development Coordinator

Tiffany lives on her family dairy farm on the Derbyshire/ Staffordshire border and has had a keen interest in agriculture from a young age. In her role here Tiffany loves supporting farmers to get to grips with current grants, red-tape and any opportunities available to them on farm. 

Tiffany also helps out at our events where farmers can access further information to make them more resilient to the current changes the farming industry faces. 

Outside of her FLC role Tiffany works on the farm, relief milks and works at local livestock markets.  Often seen out about at local events and shows feel free to go over and chat if you would like any advice or help in any way.

Rachel Metcalfe-Charity Manager

Rachel leads the Farming Life Centre as Charity Manager, supporting staff and developing new initiatives to improve health and wellbeing in farming and rural communities. She also works as a Social Prescriber and farms sheep in the Edale Valley with her husband and children.

If you’d like to know more about any aspect of the charity’s work or are interested in becoming a trustee, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.