Meet Farmer Claire: From being a customer, to becoming a farmer!
Hi there, I’m Farmer Claire, and the farm has had a very special place in my heart for a while, even before I became ‘Farmer’ Claire.
I visited the farm for the first time in 2017, with may oldest child Oliver when he was just 9 months old. Me and my sister decided once we had returned to work after maternity leave, that it would be great idea to get annual passes to the farm, as it was a happy, safe space that we could bring the kids. This soon became our annual Christmas presents from the grandparents!
Oliver quickly built amazing relationships with lots of the farmers, and he was certain to make sure everyone knew who he was! From then on, the farm became our happy place, and most of our free time was spent here. Knowing that Oliver knew where he was, knew everyone there and would always be greeted by such happy, engaging faces. Having the opportunity to spend so much time outside was an amazing way to spend our days, for both of us. Everyone has always gone above and beyond to give both my children a special experience when they are at the farm… it truly is very special to us all.
During lockdown we became supporters so that we could support the farm during a difficult time, to keep up to date with the animals and so that Oliver could see his favourite farmers! Hallie was born during lockdown, so we had to wait a short while before her first visit. However, just as her brother has, she has been sure to make herself known to all of the farmers. Having such confident children, also meant that I built some great relationships with all the team, and we always felt so welcome at the farm. When Hallie turned 2, I decided to join her into Little Farmers Club, and we both absolutely fell in love with the group. It was such a special time that me and Hallie could spend together. Then last January, during snack time in one of the little farmers sessions, Farmer Rebecca and Farmer Karen came and asked me if I would be interested in joining the LF team as a staff member! This was completely out of the blue to me, but I was ecstatic! So many friends have commented over the years that I spend so much time at the farm, I should work there, but I was completely blown away and it was very unexpected.
At the same time as this, I had also been given the opportunity to cover an established wedding cake business, whilst the owner was on maternity leave. So I decided that I would love to temporarily work at the farm from February, until I took on the cakes in May. As soon as I joined the team, I immediately fell in love with my job, with absolutely no fear of it ruining my happy place, if anything it enhanced it. After being self-employed for a long time, it was amazing to be part of a team, with the bonus of being around the people I already knew. I soon felt part of the WPF family.
My role at he farm is to run the Little Farmer’s sessions alongside other staff members. The group consists of 20 children, plus their grown ups, and each week we have a different theme, which consists of reading a story, meeting the animals relating to our theme, and then after a little snack break, we head back to create a craft in line with what we’ve explored. I love being a part of the children’s experience, and I still get a buzz from being called Farmer Claire by them, it is difficult to call it work really when I have such fun. My two favourite sessions so far have been the Sulcata tortoises, where we head into their enclosures with warm water and toothbrushes, treating them to a nice bath. I also loved going to interact with the wallabies on one of the sessions, and having the opportunity to hand feed them. Seeing the kid’s faces was perfect!
As I am writing this blog in January 2024, I obviously didn’t leave after 3 months. I couldn’t possibly have done that, it is a dream job, so I juggled my role at the farm, alongside making 40 wedding cakes over the summer.
As well as Little Farmers, I also trained as a guide, meaning that I lead groups such as school trips around the farm, giving them lots of facts about our animals, and providing them with an animal handling session. It is a full and fun day, with plenty of unexpected questions from the kids, never ever a dull day.
This Christmas, I also got the incredible opportunity to be involved with our Santa’s-sleigh experience. It started off by helping to decorate the farm and set dress our Christmas barn ready for Santa’s arrival. Then I got the chance to take on the magical role of Elf! I played Peppermint, Apple, Acorn and Bell, and had the time of my life! Being part of creating a families Christmas memories is so special, and I feel so lucky to be included in the elf team.
I feel really lucky to be part of the WPF team. I have made some amazing friends, learnt so much and I get to spend so much time outside! My kids also think its amazing that mummy works here at the farm, yet we still head here 2-3 times a week, including taking Hallie to Little Farmers as mummy, not Farmer Claire. I loved the farm before working here, and now I love it even more!
