Bramble Hill Farm
Bramble Hill Farm provides living and working spaces for a range of people and projects that test innovative ways to build a sustainable, healthy, and creative farm centered community that benefits the broader population.
The 120 acre farm is located in Amherst, MA and is supported by the Open Field Foundation.
Find us here.
Board & Staff
Gordon Thorne, Director
Gordon Thorne is a visual artist. He is the Director of A.P.E. which he founded in 1977, and the Open Field Foundation, created in 1996 to purchase Bramble Hill Farm. He created the Foundation's mission statement, and with architect Tris Metcalfe and a number of skilled craftsmen he has overseen the restoration of the “old” farm buildings, and the creation of a series of “unique” “new” Farm structures which provide the core infrastructure for the developing farm programs.
Anne Woodhull, Director, The After School
Anne is an accomplished poet and the director of The After School at A.P.E. and Bramble Hill Farm. She is a Jungian Play and Art Therapist, working in the field for 35 years. She works with children on a range of issues. “When adults enter therapy, it is most often about taking things apart. In my work with children it is about what can be built. Children can rarely articulate or talk about what it is that is difficult for them. Creative expression is not only a guide to finding out what is going on in the inner life of a child, but is an opportunity to build on their resources and thus strengthen them.”
Anne is an accomplished poet and the director of The After School at A.P.E. and Bramble Hill Farm. She is a Jungian Play and Art Therapist, working in the field for 35 years. She works with children on a range of issues. “When adults enter therapy, it is most often about taking things apart. In my work with children it is about what can be built. Children can rarely articulate or talk about what it is that is difficult for them. Creative expression is not only a guide to finding out what is going on in the inner life of a child, but is an opportunity to build on their resources and thus strengthen them.”
Hans Leo, Education Director, Farmer
Hans started working on a neighbor's farm in southern Germany at age eight and he has had his hands in various types of soil ever since. After moving around on two continents he settled down in the valley in 1998 when he began work at Bramble Hill Farm. In 2003 he expanded his reach from not only tending to the needs of plants but also started nurturing eager young minds through Mr. McGregor's Children's Garden. In 2007 he was joined in his work by an expanding colony of bees.
Hans started working on a neighbor's farm in southern Germany at age eight and he has had his hands in various types of soil ever since. After moving around on two continents he settled down in the valley in 1998 when he began work at Bramble Hill Farm. In 2003 he expanded his reach from not only tending to the needs of plants but also started nurturing eager young minds through Mr. McGregor's Children's Garden. In 2007 he was joined in his work by an expanding colony of bees.
Carol Hepburn works full time as the Town of Amherst
Animal Well Fare Officer. She lives at the Farm, and helps to maintain the
common areas and gardens, as well as keeping fence lines cleared and the lawns
mowed. Carol also manages the evolving “herd” of farm animals, enjoyed by
visitors and school groups.
Lisa Thompson is the Associate Director of A.P.E. She was previously a member of Dance Gallery, a resident dance company at A.P.E. from 1977 to 1990. After leaving the Pioneer Valley for 18 years, she returned in 1996 to help direct A.P.E.'s programs. She manages all of A.P.E.'s fiscal projects and has been instrumental is the formation of the Northampton Community Arts Trust whose mission is to create and preserve affordable spaces for artists into the future. Lisa helps coordinates the events that take place at Bramble Hill Farm.
Nicole Bruno has been working at the farm since 2003 doing a myriad of jobs including cleaning, painting, helping with the After School group, teaching them ceramics, and then teaching Pilates to adults. Last Fall Nicole planted hundreds of garlic bulbs at the farm which she plans to sell along with her handmade ceramic garlic vessels. She has an 11 month old daughter who allows her to teach Pilates and do some organizing of the farm spaces! The farm has been more than just a job; "I've met people who have become really great, trusted, and supportive friends."
