The Early Years
2004: The Beginning
Lorica obtained the lease for East Clayton Farm in 2004. The first stage of development at East Clayton involved converting the farm outbuildings into individual living units for 8 young adults with 24/7 care needs. The farmhouse was turned into flats for 5 people moving on from homelessness. These facilities are now well established and thriving.
Spirit of Place
As tenants of the National trust, we have created in partnership with them, a ‘spirit of place’ statement which captures the spirit of the farm and the environment. This is shown in a short cartoon.
Spirit of Place
Lorica Trust was founded with deep Christian roots which East Clayton farm continues to grow and nourish.
Partnership Work
We work in close partnership with organisations who help us extend and develop our work.
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West Sussex County Council
Southdown Housing
Association
Turning Tides
Horsham District Council Council
The National Trust
Portsmouth City Council
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South Downs National Park
Hampshire County Council
Our Staff
Jackie Daviss (DSL)
Alternative Provision Manager
Alex De Freitas
SENDCo
Petra Cook
Operations Co-ordinator
Jane Redman
Referral and Qualification Manager
Liz Grinham
Finance Manager
Louise Pease
Alternative Provision HR Manager
Darren Rolfe
Internal Verifier
Wendy Steele
Administrator
Bernie Smart
Student Support
Emmie Legg
Student Support
Dawn Harris
Student Support
Krista Guile (Fire Warden)
Student Support
Lisa Wishart
Student Support
George Lappin
Student Support
Jenny Austin
Student Support
Holly Sugden
Student Support
Johanna Hopkins
Student Support
Louise Crush
Horticultural Support
Will Franklin
Falconer & Student Support
Paige Weeks
Student Support
Louise Hickey
Student Support
Mel Linscer
Student Support
Robin Boswell
Student Support
Dawn Parsons
Student Support
Ellie Housley
Student Support
Jodie Griffiths
Student Support
Emma Millard
Events and Volunteers
Chris Rolfe
Land Based Project Worker
Paula Newman
Livestock Manager
Ruth Fischbach
Donkey Walks Leader
Debbie Stringer
Livestock Support
Charlotte Clement
Livestock Support
Phoebe Croft
Livestock Support
Our External Consultants
Kay King
Safeguarding Consultant
Kate Foxton
Veterinary Consultant
Mark Jeffries
H&S Consultant
Our Trustees
Chair - Robin Hobson
Agricultural Consultant
The vision for East Clayton Farm began in the year 2000 when I approached the National Trust about the possibility of developing the farm for people, as well as farming and conservation; this was borne of a christian conviction that this farm should be a place where everyone who visits and lives there can feel at home and be blessed. The vision was that at the farm, anybody, whatever their life circumstances, could come and be Inspired, Restored, Educated and Refreshed. It has been amazing to see how this vision has been fulfilled and we are excited by what is still to come!
Andrew Sharpe
Water Engineer
I have been involved with the East Clayton Farm development, giving practical help around the farm from the outset of our tenancy with the National Trust. Robin Hobson and I started fundraising for the farm by taking part in the Plymouth-Banjul car rally in 2007 where we raised £60,000. As a Christian, I long to see people who come to the farm being blessed by being there. God has guided our steps as the farm has developed and it is great to see how the impact of the farm has grown over time.
Charles Haywood
Quantity Surveyor
I became involved with East Clayton through the original redevelopment of the farm. This led to me becoming a trustee which I was going to do for a couple of years but I am still here because I find the unique opportunities the farm provides both inspirational and rewarding!
Nick Dungay
Marketing Director
I was delighted to be invited to join as a trustee in 2021. I am very impressed with the unique opportunities and support the farm provides to a wide variety of people and the caring manner in which these are delivered. I aim to bring financial and corporate governance experience to help the trust continue to develop in future.
Howard Sayers
Engineer
I accepted an offer to become a Trustee in 2011. Then and now I wanted to put my personal Christian faith into action and be part of something in my local community and use my skills and knowledge to contribute to the development of the farm. Over the intervening years it has been exciting, whilst sometimes challenging, to be part of the farm’s development, touching an ever widening community. I feel privileged to share in God’s plan for the farm as it continues to grow.
Sophie Littlejohns
Social Worker (Child and Adolescent)
I was delighted to be invited to become a trustee in spring 2024. East Clayton Farm combines all the things I love best, people and children in their great variety, nature and animals, and a founding belief that God inspires and refreshes us all through his creation and through working together in the different opportunities and projects the Farm offers. I hope that my experience of working systemically in a therapeutic capacity with children, their families and carers will be of benefit to the farm as its work continues to develop.
Our Policies
Safeguarding Policy - Dec 2025
Complaints Policy - Dec 2024
Diversity and Dignity at Work Policy - June 2025
Whistleblowing Policy - Dec 2025
Learner Behaviour Policy - April 2025