A Day in the Life of Anna Barnard – Deputy Chief Executive

Monday 2nd December 2019

A Day in the Life of……..

Name

Anna Barnard

Job Title

Deputy Chief Executive

When did you first start working at CET?

2004 as an Education Officer

What does your job involve?

I manage the education team. This covers school visits, volunteer groups, community courses, outreach work, the running of the farm and garden and the management of the woodland. It is the most varied and interesting job I could imagine; recently I was setting up for an activity and passed a school group on the path. I heard one of the children say, “why does that lady have a badger in a wheelbarrow?”, I thought this summed up the unusual nature of my working life pretty well!

What has been your most memorable day at CET and why?

So many it is hard to choose just one. Most recently I would say the first visit we hosted from a local nursing home to the farm. One of our visitors was a lady who had been a land girl during the second world war. It was a wonderful experience to be able to bring some of the farm animals over to her. She had thought she would never have access to a farm again.

Name 3 previous experiences that have helped you most for this role?

My job as a biology tutor at Leeson House field studies centre.

My university courses.

Growing up in (very) rural West Dorset.

What’s something that might surprise people about your day-to-day role?

Looking at the contents of the bookshelf above my desk! I have an unusual combination of books I use for work including Percival the Baby Caterpillar which currently sits next to Improving Beef Housing for Better Returns!

What are you most excited about right now?

All the Christmas Owls Club events we are running over the next couple of weeks. They always get me into the festive spirit.

What’s the most interesting thing you’ve learned recently?

That sheep can learn to recognise up to 100 different faces (humans or other sheep!).

Where is your favourite place in the world?

Eggardon Hill Fort in Dorset. I love to explore the ancient ramparts. It is a wild place and you can get amazing views down to the villages below.

What is your favourite animal and why?

I love all the animals on the farm but my particular favourite would have to be horses. I have had my own horse called Toby for 21 years.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

Any kind of outdoor pursuit, the most recent discovery being horseback archery. I also enjoy dancing and playing the flute.

What do you love about the outdoors?

The space and freedom, it is where I am most at home.

What is your favourite memory of being in the outdoors from your childhood?

Going for an ‘adventure’ with my Dad. He always made any walk exciting. My parents inspired my love for the countryside, farming and wildlife from a very young age.