Philip and Corinne Merricks
FARMERS
Philip and Corinne took over Elmley over 40 years ago and have worked tirelessly to transform an intensive arable and livestock farm to a site of international wildlife significance. Their pioneering and dedicated approach, in which farming and wildlife go hand in hand, has resulted in the incredible restoration of nature to this huge area of North Kent. In 1991 Elmley was designated a National Nature Reserve by Natural England, the only family owned and managed farm in the UK to have this status.
Gareth & Georgina Fulton
DIRECTORS
Elmley was so important to Georgina's upbringing, it was no surprise that Gareth was similarly captivated by Elmley. Experiencing Elmley at dawn and dusk, they both knew that they had to share the incredible experience of spending the night here with other guests.
Gareth and Georgina moved to Elmley in 2013 to set up holiday accommodation and welcome new visitors to the Reserve. They started with three shepherd's huts which they ran from a cottage on the farm. In these early days they did everything themselves from the ironing to the cooking, so they couldn't be more proud of and grateful to Elmley's incredible team today.
Gareth is the Reserve Manager and works hands on the Reserve, with a background in the Army and a training in Physical Geography, he is passionate about developing his in-laws' conservation work.
Eleanor Rouse
GENERAL MANAGER
Eleanor joined the team in 2015. She has been a central part of our journey and has been involved in many areas during her time, from being chief tent putter-up to booking software ninja, before becoming our Weddings Manager in 2018. With our superstar GM, Clare, on maternity leave, Eleanor has stepped into the role of General Manager in 2022. She brings her brilliant organisational skills and love of hospitality to the role. Eleanor is responsible for overseeing all parts of our guest experience.
When she’s not hanging out in Kingshill Barn, Eleanor is normally thinking about dogs or Australia where she spent a year guiding walkers over the Sydney Harbour Bridge.