MEET THE FAMILY
Ruby and Lutfi have always been interested in the relationship between health and the environment. Ruby studied Psychology and also trained as a holistic therapist. Lutfi studied Geography in London before completing a PhD in Oxford on irrigation and society. In Oxford Ruby taught at an A level college and worked as a reflexologist at the Acland hospital whilst Lutfi, after briefly lecturing in London, took up a post in his old department in Oxford where he taught for 10 years, whilst working as an overseas rural development consultant.
At home they applied their academic and spiritual principles in seeking to raise their children in a healthy and natural environment. Then in 2002 they took their young family on an adventure! They gave up their jobs and established Willowbrook Farm where they sought to rear animals ethically, nurture the environment on the farm and live sustainably. They now live in a house made of mud which they built and deliver ethical and sustainable produce to customers in Oxfordshire and beyond.
The Visionaries
Dr. Lutfi & Ruby
Dr. Lutfi & Ruby
Asiyla
Also the eldest sibling. After completing her fine art degree from Oxford university she moved to London but still drops in to detox from city life and helps out planning cool activities during our annual summer festival.
The Artist & Author
Asiyla
Camilla
Currently studying Arabic at SOAS, She misses the peace of country life and her beloved pony Gracie. Her visits home are always full of energy and laughter.
The Horse Whisperer
Camilla
Ali
Ali is always helping his older siblings on the farm, very capable and willing to lend a hand on any task. Often found with his brother Khalil, manning the Willowbrook stall at the East Oxford farmers market. During our events he runs the animal petting in the menagerie and serving burgers at the barbecue.
The Understudy
Ali
Khalil & Lamia
Full of energy, Khalil is always on the go, planning events and activities and running the business from the butchery to the website and online sales. He is often the first person you will meet on open days as he welcomes visitors and runs the cafe with his wife Lamia. You will also find him at the East Oxford market every Saturday morning.
Lamia joined the family in 2012 and with Khalil enjoys running the farm. Meet her in the cafe on open days and on most weekends in the farm shop. She also manages to keep on top of the dreaded accounts, helps organising events and looks after their two children Xena (the warrior princess) and Keean (the lock-down baby!)
The Public Faces
Khalil & Lamia
Adam & Ria
Adam's Garden and orchard could be mistaken for the garden of paradise except for the physical hard work required to maintain its abundance. Every year we are blessed with numerous varieties of vegetables, which are also cooked in our cafe during our summer open days. Adam also manages the livestock, including the breeding programmes. Not known as a chatterbox, however you can get him talking till the cows come home with an in depth knowledge on his favourite subjects.
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Ria joined the family in 2015 as a volunteer and ended up married to Adam, taking our promise to welcome volunteers into our family very literally! She enjoys helping on the farm, in the veg garden, lambing, and general care of the animals. She is passionate about animal welfare, and sustainable farming.
The Farmers