Our ‘Meet the Team’ series is the perfect way to get to know our team here at Hollow Trees Farm a little better! This month we hear from Farm Manager Will, who is responsible for looking after the animals here at the Farm as well as ensuring the site is maintained to the highest safety standards for our visitors.
Name: Will Pratt
Job role: Farm Manager
Length of service: 14 months
If you could describe Hollow Trees Farm in three words, what would they be?
Diverse, Varied, Rewarding
What does a typical day look like for you?
A day in my life starts bright and early at 8am when I meet with Robert, our Managing Director, for a quick morning chat. This is where we define the day’s priorities and ensure everything is on track. From there, it’s straight into a meeting with the farming team to agree on the jobs for the day. Once that’s sorted, it’s feeding time—taking care of the animals and making sure their needs are met is always a top priority. Mid-morning is focused on restocking the Farm Shop with essentials like potatoes, prepared feed, and other items. Before we open the Farm Trail at 10am, we carry out a safety check, making sure everything is ready for visitors. This also includes a broader check of the shop and farm areas. As the day unfolds, I tackle ongoing jobs and maintenance tasks, and we always finish by ensuring the animals are safely tucked away for the night. No two days are ever the same, which keeps things exciting and rewarding!
Favourite season on the farm and why?
Spring is my favourite season. It’s a time of new beginnings, with lambing and kidding season bringing new life to the farm and plants blooming all around. It symbolises the start of a fresh year at Hollow Trees.
If you could order anything from the Farm Cafe, what would be your perfect meal or go-to treat?
It definitely has to be the Farmer’s Breakfast with a latte!
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
Time travel. I’d like to see what life was like in the past and also travel to the future to see what’s changed.
What are your hobbies and interests?
Outside of work, I’m involved in the local agricultural community. I serve as Assistant Director for the Hadleigh Show, and next year I’ll step into the role of Show Director—a milestone I’m incredibly proud of, reflecting the hard work and dedication I’ve put into the event over the years. I’m also an active member of the Hadleigh Young Farmers Club, where I enjoy contributing to and connecting with others in the local farming community. Additionally, I’m currently training for the 2025 Manchester Marathon in April, raising funds for the Farming Community Network (FCN), a charity close to my heart.