River Bourne Community Farm

Ben Parker is Chairman and founder of River Bourne Community farm C.I.C.

Ben Parker, a local businessman, was born in Warwickshire. His father was a dairy farmer so his early years were spent milking cows, managing a flock of sheep, feeding pigs and hens and contract ploughing. He attended Warwickshire College of Agriculture for a year but it became obvious to him that one couldn't earn a living from small-scale farming so has spent his working life in a variety of different business sectors.

He owns a small classic tractor and some agricultural machinery which he uses to help local people maintain their paddocks. He still has a strong affinity with agriculture and loves working on the land.

Ben works quite a lot with disadvantaged youth and especially wants to give the young an opportunity to experience the pleasure and interest of farming and of working on the land.

He feels that the creation of a Community Farm in Laverstock will bridge the gap between generations, the farm being of interest to all ages and providing the experience of the multitude of activities that the farm will offer.

He has put in a substantial amount of his own money to get the project off the ground and has formed a charity and assembled an enthusiastic team of local volunteer helpers to get it started and raise funds.

David Burton is a Director of the farm specialising in livestock and the ecology of the farm land.

David Burton was born and brought up in Orpington in Kent. His formative years were spent out in the Kent countryside where he developed a strong interest in natural history and land management.After school he completed a Zoology degree followed by a National Certificate in Agriculture.

His early career was spent working on a rare breeds farm followed by a stint on a Wiltshire chalk downland farm. He took a year's sabbatical to complete an MSc in Landscape Ecology at Wye College then managed South Wiltshire chalk downland and ancient woodland nature reserves in partnership with farmers and foresters for ten years.

Four years ago he took up his current job with Natural England developing national advice networks for land managers. David lives in Laverstock with his wife and three children.

Chris Gill is a Director of the farm and is our educational advisor.

Chris Gill’s early years established his belief that everyone benefits from a closer understanding of the countryside. His village primary school stressed the importance of the rural community and set time aside to explore the local farmland environment.

After college at Nottingham he taught Maths in Enfield until he retired as Deputy Headteacher of Aylward School in Edmonton North London, in August 2004.

Following on from his MA dissertation at the Institute of Education, Chris has seen the mutual benefit achieved when schools work together with businesses. He is currently Chairman of the Board of Enfield Education Business Partnership which links schools and businesses through a range of work related educational experiences. He is also an Independent Manager at the local Priory Hospital, and a Governor at an Academy School and a College of Further Education.

An experienced gardener, Chris enjoys travelling independently to places with interesting landscapes and flora. He has a keen interest in all things sporting. He has two very young granddaughters and hopes they will be able to enjoy the countryside he knew as a young boy.