FOUNDER

Meet Tara Galvin, Founder and Director of EcoTherapy Farm CIC, and a dedicated mental health professional with over a decade of experience in NHS services supporting people with long-term conditions. A qualified EcoArt Therapist with a background in alternative medicine, Tara combines creativity and nature-based therapies to support the emotional well-being of both adults and young people.

As a mother, she understands the importance of nurturing emotional health, and this commitment is at the heart of both her professional practice and her community work.

At EcoTherapy Farm, Tara provides alternative provisions for children with neurodivergent conditions, leads home education sessions, and facilitates art therapy workshops. Known for her warm and approachable nature, she believes in the transformative power of nature and community, creating safe spaces where individuals can explore and strengthen their well-being.

When she’s not guiding others, Tara can be found connecting with the land, tending to the animals, and sharing her passion for sustainable living.

DIRECTOR

Meet Trish, one of three directors at EcoTherapy Farm CIC and an expert in equine therapy with a deep-rooted passion for horses. From her early days at a traditional riding yard to owning her first horse over 23 years ago, Trish has always been driven to find a more compassionate and effective way to communicate with these majestic animals.

This journey led her to pursue qualifications in equine psychology and behaviour, where she discovered the power of positive reinforcement and bitless riding. Her approach now focuses on building trust and respect, creating meaningful connections between horses and their handlers through kindness and understanding.

Trish also provides alternative provisions for children with neurodivergent conditions, offering both group and one-to-one support. She delivers animal care courses and facilitates animal interaction sessions, giving children the opportunity to build confidence, develop skills, and connect with the beloved farm animals.

AGRICULTURAL PERMACULTURIST

Jonny is a principal agricultural permaculturist with a deep passion for nurturing the land and creating sustainable systems that benefit both the environment and the community. With a keen eye for observing the natural world, he designs gardens and smallholdings that mimic the complexities of natural ecosystems.

On EcoTherapy Farm, Jonny has transformed open spaces into thriving habitats. By combining diverse plant species, he enhances biodiversity, which in turn attracts a range of beneficial insects and wildlife. His approach promotes healthy soil through composting and mulching, ensuring that the ground remains rich and fertile without resorting to chemical interventions.

Jonny tends our no-dig permaculture community farm. Sharing his extensive knowledge and techniques with schools and local communities. He teaches companion planting, water management, and how to cultivate food in harmony with nature rather than against it. Participants leave with hands-on experience and an understanding of how to create their own edible landscapes that are resilient and self-sustaining.

In addition to his practical skills, Jonny is a warm and approachable presence on the farm. He believes that education and connection to the land are integral to wellbeing and encourages visitors to explore and interact with the environment.