Tatton Park’s Farm Manager nominated for national Visit England Unsung Hero Award!

Tatton Park is proud to announce that Jayne Chapman, Manager of Tatton Park’s Farm, has been being selected as a Finalist for the Visit England Awards for Excellence 2026 which will be presented at the Aerospace Bristol on Wednesday 3rd June. Carole Hyde, Head of Rural and Cultural Economy at Tatton Park said “In addition to winning an Unsung Hero Award at last year’s Visit Cheshire Tourism Awards, and receiving a Rural and Recovery Award from the Lord-Lieutenant of Cheshire in 2024, Jayne has now received a further national-level nomination recognising individuals who inspire others through exceptional dedication and a commitment to going above and beyond in their roles. Jayne’s nomination is a true testament to her outstanding leadership, dedication, and impact within the tourism sector.”

A passion for animals

Jayne has worked at Tatton Park for 35 years, starting her career as a Farm Assistant before becoming Farm Manager in 2009. Her passion for animals and education has helped shape the farm into a vibrant, inclusive space that welcomes thousands of visitors each year. Under her leadership, the Farm has grown into a hub for learning, wellbeing, and community engagement.

“I want visitors to go home with a love for the animals and the outdoors,” says Jayne. Her strong commitment to mental health and accessibility is reflected in initiatives such as weekly visits from a Cheshire East Council social care services group supporting adults with anxiety.

In addition Jayne’s consistent support to her team of five Farm Assistants and thirty-six volunteers has created a close‑knit team that shares both the challenges and rewards that are part and parcel of working life on the farm.

A champion for rare breeds

Jayne is also a champion of rare breeds, playing a key role in Tatton Park’s Rare Breed animal adoption scheme and working with the British Breeds Revival Trust to help save the endangered Native Jersey Cow through an innovative embryo transplant project. Her belief that heritage breeds deserve the same attention as high-profile endangered species is central to her work. During her time at Tatton Park, Jayne has welcomed like-minded passionate speakers for example, the late Dame Jane Goodall, who gave a talk in 2005 after connecting with Jayne through her voluntary work at Goodall’s African sanctuary.

A love for community

Jayne’s influence extends beyond the farm gates in the strong relationships she has forged with local businesses and the wider community. She regularly represents Tatton Park at events such as the Knutsford May Day Parade, the Knutsford Great Penny Farthing Race and the Cheshire Show. Last year she collaborated with Michelin-starred chef Aiden Byrne, who held cookery demonstrations at the farm during the Shop Eat Local weekend, an initiative driven by Jayne’s recently formed Sustainability Action Group.

A true hero

Tatton Park and the wider Cheshire community are proud to support Jayne’s nomination and celebrate her remarkable achievements in tourism, conservation, and community engagement. “For her dedication, innovative spirit, and unwavering support of her team and community, Jayne truly deserves to be celebrated as an Unsung Hero,” says Farm Assistant Elly Edwards.