Our Team

 We have a small dedicated staff team at Carymoor. Our Education Team works with school groups of all ages, both on site at Carymoor, and in schools across Somerset and the wider region.

Our Conservation Team work with community groups and volunteers and oversee the restoration and management of our nature reserve.

Our regular team of volunteers play a vital role in all of our work, assisting with school groups, practical conservation and wildlife monitoring.

We have a board of nine trustees who support the management of the charity and help us focus on our strategic development.

Rupert Farthing

Chief Executive

Rupert Farthing headshot

I’ve been part of Carymoor since 2002 and love it here. I get to work with a brilliant, supportive team, and I’m proud of the difference we make for people and nature. Carymoor is a special place for me. When I’m not at work, you’ll usually find me making music – I’m a keen drummer.

Chrissie Stacey

Volunteer Co-ordinator

Chrissie Stacey headshot

I have been at Carymoor, both as a volunteer and on the staff team, since about 2021. In my role as Volunteer Coordinator, I get to work alongside the amazing volunteers who give so much time and energy to support the centre. I also run DofE programmes for secondary school students. Away from Carymoor I am a keen canoeist and walker and love being outdoors.

Katie Wilson

Office and Finance Manager

Katie Wilson headshot

I joined Carymoor in 2021 after an idyllic interview in the meadow and knew straight away it was where I wanted to be. I enjoy the variety of my role – exploring the site for photos, chatting with volunteers, organising courses and school visits, and helping to keep everything running smoothly. Carymoor is a truly special place, and I feel fortunate to watch the nature reserve change with the seasons and to spend time with such kind, like-minded people.

Kate Oliver

Education Officer

Kate Oliver headshot

I first visited Carymoor as a teenager on a school trip, later returning as a teacher and a parent – bringing my boys to Forest School. When the opportunity came up for Education Officer, I couldn’t resist! I feel very lucky to have joined the team in September 2025, while continuing to work in a local school as SENCO. I love working with schools to make memorable experiences for children, both on-site and as outreach!

Beth Coleman

School and Family Education Co-ordinator

Beth Coleman headshot

I’ve worked at Carymoor since 2008, firstly as part of the SWAP outreach team, then moving into on-site education from around 2012. I love working outdoors with children and families – it’s a privilege to get the chance to spark their interest in the natural world. When not at Carymoor, I like to explore coast and countryside with my family and sing with a choir.

Graham Jennings

Site Manager

Graham Jennings headshot

I joined Carymoor in September 2002 and continue to be happy and proud to be part of the team. I’m lucky to work in such a great environment, where nature and people benefit. I always cycle here so, give me a wave if you see me passing by.

Gary Hunt

Education Officer

Gary Hunt headshot

I’ve been at Carymoor since 2018 and have led on the Schools Against Waste project. I’ve visited hundreds of schools across Somerset since I started, telling them all about the 3Rs – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. I previously worked in the single use food packaging industry, so it’s great to come at it from the other more positive direction! Every day at Carymoor is a good day. Away from work I run CATCH, a community project to improve the habitats in and around the River Cale in Wincanton.

Karen Boswell

Education Manager

Karen Boswell headshot

I’m Karen, though lots of people know me as Heidi. I started out as a primary school teacher, trained in Forest and Beach School, which fits perfectly with my love of the outdoors. I’ve been lucky enough to live and teach in Kenya, Canada and Spain. I surf and I’m learning to skateboard – never too old for a new adventure! I’ve worked at Carymoor since 2016, supporting visiting school groups and delivering the Schools Against Waste campaign, and I now get to share my creative passion for willow weaving.

Natalie Ferris

Education Officer

Nat Ferris headshot

I joined Carymoor in 2021 and teaching outdoor education is always rewarding. I used to work as a wildlife surveyor and I love botany (especially grasses and mosses) but I’ve really enjoyed learning about history for our school trips. I have also been inspired by Karen to learn willow weaving and now teach some of our weaving courses. Away from work I love sea swimming, hiking and discovering new places (particularly if tea and cake are involved).

Neil Gemmell

Community Ranger

Neil Gemmell Headshot

I joined Carymoor in 2010 as an Education Officer helping to deliver the Somerset Waste Action Programme. After 3 fun-filled yrs the opportunity arose to combine my role in Education with Conservation, creating my current role of Community Ranger. I love the diversity of my job and also the connectivity between the 3 main areas of Carymoor’s business – Conservation, Community and Education. I have a keen interest in traditional rural skills such as hedge laying, coppicing, scything, and green woodworking. We regularly use these practical skills across the reserve.

Feedback

  • Karen is an excellent tutor who steps in when asked if advice/help needed. Karen is great at boosting confidence and her tuition skills are excellent. The atmosphere was very friendly and supportive.

    Janet R, Shopping Basket course
  • We have been coming to Carymoor for many years and they never disappoint. The staff are all incredibly friendly, accommodating and flexible. We have enjoyed a wide range of activities which are all carefully planned and resourced and, most importantly, loved by the children. Thank you Carymoor and we look forward to seeing you next year!

    All Hallows School
  • I just wanted to say thank you SO much for a fantastic trip today. The children didn’t stop talking about what they did/learned and raved about the day. It was pitched perfectly and even staff learned something new! I will be recommending it to everyone I can. Brilliantly organised and engaging. Thanks again.

    Millfield School
  • I am proud of what we achieved on the day and my confidence in my abilities is now much higher. I left site with a huge sense of satisfaction. Even now, a few days further on, I marvel at how I was able to create such a challenging, beautiful piece of work that is robust and useful too.

    Anonymous participant on Fruit Basket course
  • In more than 20 years of teaching this was the best trip I have ever taken children on – educational, fun and inspirational!