The People Behind Folly Farm

Philip Niemand - Centre Director

I have been involved in the hotel, restaurant and hospitality industry for over 14 years.

Although I do have a Bachelor of Science Degree, I have always enjoyed being in the service industry and my part-time job to pay my student fees has become my career.

I enjoy the challenges of managing a multi-faceted business on a daily basis and Folly Farm definitely has buckets of diversity, being both an Eco-Centre and State-of-the-Art Conference Facility. My affiliation with Eco-Tourism first started several years ago when I had the privilege of managing an Orient Express Lodge in the Okavango Delta, Botswana. I have since moved to the UK and I have recently developed the first accredited Eco Hotel in Wales. I will now focus my efforts on establishing Folly Farm as one of the leading Conferencing Facilities in the South West, whilst maintaining and furthering our relationship with the local community.

I have recently become a father and I am excited about the opportunity of settling my family in a caring and supportive community such as the Chew Valley.

Jo Morris

Over the last 7 years I have enjoyed teaching and developing geography and science fieldwork and environmental education programmes for a diverse range of groups. During this time I worked for the Field Studies Council in the Lake District - both as their Senior Tutor and as Project Manager at the Blencathra Centre, one of their largest residential education centres. I have also worked for the John Muir Award as their Cumbrian Regional Manager and for Brathay Exploration Group as a worldwide expedition leader.

From a young age I have always been fascinated by nature and my curiosity led me to study BSc Geography at university and regularly volunteer for conservation projects both in the UK and abroad. Whilst developing my own passion for conservation, I found that I really enjoyed sharing this with others and have worked with many groups encouraging practical conservation activities.

Folly Farm is such a magical place that you can't help but get really excited about the potential for educational visits here. The buildings and the reserve are so inspirational, I am enjoying developing a diverse range of courses for all ages visiting Folly Farm - from A-Level geography and primary school activities to fun family courses and professional development programmes.

Hannah Broad

My name is Hannah Broad and I work at Folly farm and my job is office based as administration/reception assistant. Also I help out when needed with housekeeping and setting up ready for functions, so it’s hands-on at Folly sometimes.

I really enjoy working at Folly Farm being based in the countryside with the wildlife, saying good morning everyday to our resident pigs.

It is such a lovely place and I am proud to be part of the development and growth here. Everyday at the reserve is ever changing and I enjoy the diversity of my role and I love being part of the Folly Farm family.

Thought I’d better tell you a bit about me, I have 12 years experience in customer service and administration, working in various companies from Supermarket head office to on the shop floor, then to hotel reception and Bristol Airport. Also I have NVQ’s in Administration and Business Information Technology.

I live in the Chew valley area and adore my country-life, spending my spare time with my fiancée and my three cats.

Claire Newell

My name is Claire Newell and I have been a volunteer at Folly Farm since November 2008. I am based in the office, but at Folly Farm ‘Office Administration’ encompasses everything from office work to house work, to clearing weeds from flower borders to midwifery duties for Bella the pig. I particularly enjoy showing off the facilities here to those who are considering celebrating their marriage at Folly Farm. No two days are the same and I have learned to expect the unexpected every time I walk through the front door

Jarek and Dagmara Giercarz

We have been working at Folly Farm since August 2009 as General Assistants. As a couple involved in the catering and hospitality industry for many years, we have a passion for food and cooking and have a good knowledge of wines and real ales. Our long-term goal is to one day use our skills and knowledge of running an eco-centre such as Folly Farm to start our own eco-resort in Poland.