It’s a Team Effort

Moving to Llywna Farm in 2016 has given me the space to develop and evolve my work in so many ways. 

The 57 acres of ancient land has been a huge source of inspiration; it’s allowed the herd to expand and thrive, and my therapeutic work to deepen. 

There have been plenty of practical developments, such as building the Cowshed Café and other facilities that make people feel comfortable and welcome. 

But Llywna Farm is much more than a collection of buildings and animals. 

The beautiful energy of this wild place is just as important to clients’ comfort and healing, and that’s down to two things: the respect and care with which my partner, Mark Lumley, and I treat this land and all the beings that live on it, and the people we choose to support us here.

For me, having the right team of people around gives me the freedom to think and breathe, to explore new bounds in my practice and, ultimately, to help more people to find peace and clarity.

Sculptor and blacksmith Mark Lumley is Miranda’s partner.
See more of Mark’s work on his website and as part of the​ farOpen Studios Art Trail at Llwyna Farm, 6-14 July 2024.

Mark is, quite simply, amazing. A talented sculptor and blacksmith, his day job is making furniture and other forged pieces for the home and garden, mostly for Soane Britain in London. But, when I’m running workshops, he gives up his weekends to use his endless creativity in the kitchen, producing delicious vegetarian lunches and cakes.

You can see Mark’s sculptures all around the farm. In the Garden of the Ancestors, where groups begin workshops, he made the central fire pit and dotted about this peaceful haven are a series of bone sculptures, honed from steel.

Elsewhere, you’ll find his version of Nike, the goddess of victory, and in front of the Cowshed Café is The Hug.

Up on the hill is an ancient quarry, a deep bowl surrounded ancient by trees where we have held some of our most powerful constellation workshops. Here, Mark has sited a standing stone and a steel sculpture of Nerthus, the Germanic goddess of the earth and peace. Her presence here was really strong when we began our first earth constellation workshop in January 2024.

Key to all workshops is my good friend, Kate Edser, who I’ve been working with since 2010.

As an experienced horsewoman and empathetic people person, her solid presence helps ensure clients feel safe and ‘held’.

She helps me pre-plan and de-brief, and her skills as a communications and PR professional have been central to promoting the work through the website, newsletters and open days.

Kate, pictured above aboard Wodka, and I also love to ride together as often as possible, usually taking Vodka and Simza to explore the quiet lanes and tracks surrounding the farm.

Former psychotherapist and now funeral celebrant and writer Nicola Banning, and reflexologist and horsewoman Katie Munroe sometimes support Kate and I to manage the larger workshops.   

Finally, the animals are integral to my work. Alongside all the wild creatures is a small flock of Manx Loaghtan sheep, above, and my loveable rogue lurcher, Bugsy, who supports me in all individual sessions in the yurt.

Bugsy, in full ‘bounce’ mode, above, is often influential in constellations, appearing at just the right moment with just the right energy, showing us death and life in equal measure, and everything in between. He’s also known for his tremendous hugs – climbing on to laps to clasp tightly those who most need his love.

Bugsy’s buddy and Kate’s dog, Tulip, below, is everyone’s friend, teaching us about gentleness, joy, optimism and living in the moment.

Last, but by no means least, is my herd - my teachers, saviours and friends. I take care of them and they take care of me. I won’t explain them as individuals as their stories often resonate with clients and it’s best people discover that for themselves.

With my team together, we are whole.