Meet the Team
Helen McGloughlin
Designated Safeguarding Lead and School/Student Liaison
Helen’s love of horses began at the age of 8, and they quickly became a central part of her life. After many years of riding and caring for horses throughout her childhood, she later took time to focus on her career and family. Now, that passion has come full circle, something she shares with her youngest daughter, Ruby, who also volunteers at The Ark during the holidays.
For over 25 years, Helen has worked within the education system, supporting children and families. Alongside her professional career, she remained deeply connected to animals and the outdoors, often combining the two through school projects. These experiences gave her first-hand insight into the profound impact that nature and animals can have on wellbeing, confidence, and learning.
Seeing the positive changes in the young people she supported is what inspired Helen to take her passion further and make it her life’s work. Together with Kane, she co-founded The Ark Smallholding – bringing her wealth of experience in education, her lifelong love of animals, and her commitment to supporting young people.
Kane Wilson
Project and Livestock Manager
Kane’s path began in science, studying physics at university, where he was captivated by the challenge of understanding the universe. That search for understanding eventually led him outdoors, to the land and the animals. Here he discovered that real insight isn’t only found in theory, but in the lived experience of working with nature and seeing how it shapes us in return.
For Kane, nature is the greatest teacher. The way animals interact, the patience of the seasons, the resilience of a tree standing stoic through countless storms and seasons – showing us that even in times of challenge, we too can stand firm and continue to grow – all hold lessons that can guide us as human beings.
Music is also an important part of Kane’s life. Whether he’s creating a new song on the guitar or playing the drums, he sees music as another way to listen, to express, and to connect. Like the rhythms of the natural world, music has the power to ground us, lift us, bring a sense of calm and joy, and remind us we’re part of something bigger.
Through The Ark, Kane brings together his passions – nature, animals, creativity, and human connection – to create a safe and nurturing place where young people can explore at their own pace, discover their own strengths, and carry forward lessons that will stay with them for life.
Ruby
This is Ruby, a keen horse rider and has been riding since 2015. Ruby helps out at The Ark during the holidays and on weekends. When Ruby isn’t hanging out with all the animals, she loves art, reading, cooking and loves to bake buns.
Ruby has 3 horses of her own: Rosie who we use at The Ark; Gordon who is a young resuce pony; and her newest addition Daisie who is only 7 months old and is also at The Ark.
Bob
Meet Bob, our resident greeter and chief face-licker! He takes his job of welcoming everyone very seriously — with tail wags, cuddles, and the occasional muddy paw print.