meet our group facilitator

Mariah spent 15 years teaching photography at a high school while also voluntarily initiating and securing funding for conservation projects. These initiatives eventually led to the creation of Green Skills Suffolk, her conservation skills training business specialising in orchard and hedge laying techniques.

In 2023, Mariah took on the role of facilitating the Upper Deben Farm Cluster, where she secures funding and organises events to help members explore environmental and financial opportunities. She now also facilitates the Upper Alde and Ore Farm Cluster. Passionate about bringing environmental projects to life through funding, Mariah is always eager to help—so if you have a project in need of support, feel free to reach out.

mariah ballam


meet our farmer steering group

Emily & Alexander aitchison

Farm Location: Monewden

Sarah langford

Farm Location: Winston

Steve western

Farm Location: Brandeston

bill mayne

Farm Location: Burgh

ben evans & elinor Wombwell

Farm Location: Playford

“once in your life you need a doctor, a lawyer, a policeman, and a preacher. But every day, three times a day, you need a farmer.".”

Brenda Schoep