meet the team
We are a friendly bunch and enjoy making Susan's Farm a welcoming place for everyone.
At any one time, we are a busy team made up of staff, volunteers, beneficiaries, work placement students and visitors.
We always need help with everything from office tasks and sales of our produce through to practical farming, conservation tasks and working with children and adults.
Do contact us if you would like to volunteer.
Our staffing team
Marilyn Croser
Managing Director
01228 548336
I have a long-standing interest in nature conservation and sustainable food production, and have volunteered in several small-scale food growing projects.
I have over 20 years of experience working children, young people and vulnerable adults through play, learning and educational environments. I also have a decade of working in the retail sector.
I am a Cumbrian lass and have two Great Danes. I love animals, wildlife and being outdoors with nature. I adore spending time with people and getting to know them and what helps them to have their best experiences in life. Well-being is important to me and Susan’s Farm is a wonderful place to learn and continue to grow.
Emma Hughes
Office Administrator
01228 548336
I was brought up on an organic farm and have worked for a number of organisations involved in sustainable food and the environment. Susan's Farm is a great place to be.
Isobelle Lynch
Alternative Provision Lead
01228 548336
While completing my teaching degree, I spent a voluntary placement with Helen Ward at Susan’s Farm, which has been integral to my teaching career.
I grew up loving the outdoors and nature, being a keen walker and horse rider as well as chicken keeper.
As a teacher for over ten years, I have extensive experience of working with children from a diverse range of backgrounds with varying needs and targets. I have spent more than half my career working in schools, in the most deprived areas of Carlisle, ensuring all children and their families are supported in any way possible.
I am local dairy farmer and I am passionate about local sustainable food. I love sharing my recipes with our beneficiaries and visitors.
Neil Harkness
Contract Stockperson
01228 548336
I'm an experienced stock person, having worked on small family farms and large enterprises. I manage higher tier Stewardship on my own farm and have put a large dairy replacement and beef finishing farm through organic conversion.
My skills and experience are well suited to this role and enjoy the challenges of managing a farm unit.
Helen Ward
Schools Visit Lead
01228 548336
I love being outside; after 30 years in the classroom, I am combining my love of teaching with the real pleasure of spending time sharing the beauty, wonder and benefit of the great outdoors.
Caren Clay
Outdoor Learning Coordinator
01228 548336
I am a keen enthusiast for anything outdoors, my background is in supporting children and young people thrive in outdoor learning environments. In my spare time you will find me up a hill or in a lake come rain or shine!
Sarah Donnison
Outdoor Learning Coordinator
01228 548336
I’m Sarah, one of the Outdoor Learning Coordinators. I come to Susan’s farm with a career in teaching and education and an emphasis on working with young people to improve lives. I love the outdoors and have two springer spaniels who keep me active, walking the Solway coast.
Susan Aglionby
Founder and meat sales volunteer
07786073504
01228 548336
Since childhood I have been enthusiastic about an involvement in agriculture and natural history. I am also passionate about food and where it comes from. I often think about how fortunate I am to be working on a farm producing such wonderful food.