Hi, I’m Sonia Oliver
I am the co-founder of Mouse’s Garden, along with my daughter, Flo. I raised her and her brother on the farm where our nursery now sits, and have always felt it was an incredibly special place where children could grow and explore freely. It felt like the most natural progression in the world to create a place where we could open up the farm to a new generation of children, and let the fields ring with children’s laughter once more.
As soon as I became a mother I knew I wanted the very best for my children. For me, this meant good food and fresh air. Living in Coleshill on an organic farm of course made this easier for me than most, but I was also deeply inspired to try and help facilitate the same for all children – especially those I met through my professional life as a primary school teacher and deputy head. I developed an overwhelming desire to connect children with nature and where their food comes from through child-led education and uninterrupted play and exploration.
I have a degree in English Literature and a PGCE in primary education. I spent 20 years working in education, and have now been running Coleshill Organics for 25 years. At the farm we have always actively encouraged school children’s visits, and over the course of 25 years have had some 15,000 children learning in the garden. We also have a small farm shop and a veggie box delivery service, so there are lots of ways to take some of the Mouse’s Garden organic lifestyle into your homes.
When I’m not on the farm, I love to go walking or wild swimming. I swim all year round, and try to go at least once a week. I also spend a lot of my free time playing with my two wonderful granddaughters, or enjoying good food with friends.