Neil Campbell

For Neil Campbell, Nunny’s Farm is about far more than animals and open land. It’s about giving people space – space to slow down, to reconnect with nature, and to feel a little more grounded in a world that often moves too fast. As joint owner of Nunny’s Farm CIC, Neil has helped build something genuinely special on the Nunsthorpe estate, rooted firmly in community, care and compassion.

Established in 2019 and opened to the public in April 2021 following the COVID pandemic, Nunny’s Farm was created with wellbeing at its core. Officially opened by High Sheriff Claire Birch, the farm offers visitors opportunities to improve their mental health through access to animals, nature and fresh air. What makes Nunny’s Farm unique is its dual role. It operates both as a welcoming petting farm for the public – a place to walk, feed animals and spend time outdoors – and as a care farm, providing safe and therapeutic placements for children and adults who benefit from structured, supportive environments.

Neil’s connection to Grimsby runs deep, despite not being born here. After living in various places across the country, moving to Grimsby in 2017 felt, in his words, like coming home. Settling on the Nunsthorpe estate, he and his family were immediately welcomed by the local community. “The honesty and passion of the people here is inspiring,” Neil says. “It pushes us to do more, to deliver something that people can really enjoy and feel proud of.” That sense of belonging is woven into the farm’s identity, making it as much a community space as a visitor attraction.

Recognition of the work being done at Nunny’s Farm came in a remarkable form in February 2025, when Her Royal Highness Princess Anne visited the farm. The visit followed a nomination by the Lord Lieutenant of Lincolnshire, Toby Dennis, who had been inspired by the farm’s work after meeting Neil and the team at the Lincolnshire Show in 2024. Although the visit was closed to the public, it was a huge moment for staff and volunteers. “It was amazing recognition,” Neil explains. “Especially as it wasn’t something we applied for ourselves. It really meant a lot to the people who put so much into the farm every day.”

Neil is passionate about the wider role of city farms and believes their impact is often underestimated. In his view, they offer vital green spaces where people of all ages can regularly connect with animals and nature – something essential for physical health, mental wellbeing and balance. In an increasingly fast-paced and pressured world, city farms act as calm, grounding places where life feels a little more natural and human.

The journey to creating Nunny’s Farm is rooted in Neil’s own professional background. He and his partner both spent 17 years working in the prison service, driven by a belief that prevention is better than cure. Their shared view was that if children are given the best possible start in life, fewer people end up lost within the justice system later on. Combined with their belief in the therapeutic power of animals and nature, the path forward became clear. Working with animals and supporting children and adults through those connections felt not just meaningful, but necessary.

Looking ahead, Neil remains focused on accessibility. Rising costs due to the cost of living crisis, wage increases and fuel prices have made it harder to realise his original ambition of making the farm free to enter. However, that goal remains firmly in sight. Removing financial barriers would allow even more people to benefit from what the farm offers, particularly those who need it most.

When asked why he chose Grimsby, Nunsthorpe and that particular moment in time to start the farm, Neil’s answer has always been simple: “Why not?” Since opening in April 2021, Nunny’s Farm has welcomed over 151,000 visitors – a figure that speaks volumes about its importance to the area. “From all of us – the staff, volunteers and myself – thank you to everyone who has visited,” Neil says. “We look forward to welcoming you back again soon.”