LAURA Richards has transformed her life — she has gone from a 10-year career with the BBC in a bustling city to follow her dream and become a farmer.

For Laura, who has no background in agriculture, taking the plunge from that of a natural history researcher based in Bristol to managing a Cornish farm has proved a steep learning curve.

Laura, who is 35, has gone from observing the lives of animals on TV to the reality of looking after sheep and beef cattle in the flesh, in just a few short years. And she has paid glowing testament to the help she has received from Lantra's Women and Work programme which has seen her learn vital additional skills.

Laura, who has a baby daughter Mali, started managing Tregillis Farm, in Launceston, in January this year with partner Jim Wallwork. The farm is linked to the Peredur Trust charity which helps people with special needs providing produce as well as work experience and therapy.

After leaving the BBC Laura undertook a two-year apprenticeship in biodynamic farming, which is farming in a sustainable and organic way, but has used Lantra's Women and Work programme to supplement her knowledge.

Laura said: "I've done courses in dog handling and training and we have a collie to help manage the sheep. In fact the dog is OK. I was me that needed the training. I've also learned about hedge laying and woodland management which has enabled me to better maintain the boundaries.

"I have also been on a course so that we can become part of the Countryside Education Visits Accredited Scheme which helps children who have never been to a farm understand what the job entails and where their food comes from."

She explained: "We are running the farm on sustainable principles and aim to grow our own animal feed and vegetables for ourselves with surplus to sell hopefully. It has been a big jump from my previous life and at times can be quite overwhelming but it is the realisation of an ambition I had about five years ago.

"I'm so pleased that I chose to undertake the training through the Women and Work programme and I am very grateful to Lantra for the chance to access this funding. As a farm manager I have been able to progress with training which otherwise may have been delayed due to strict budget."

Laura continued: "Through my training the farm has benefited in many ways. It has impacted upon the day-to-day running by saving time on things such as sheep management and equipment maintenance.

"Maintaining field boundaries in a traditional and sensitive way is now happening rather than just being wishful thinking. The farm is opening up to the community through CEVAS, which is an essential diversification.

"I am lucky enough to say that I have reached my career aspiration but the level of responsibility that comes with it is massive, which can be stressful. I can honestly say that my confidence has risen through this training, which has been a real boost. And as a female a boost is much needed in the farming sector sometimes. Essentially my new skills will aid the running of the farm project and should enable a better salary in the long-run.

"My initial objectives have been met and I have got so much from these courses would also like to undertake even more training such as mechanics and homeopathy for livestock."

For more information about Lantra and the Women and Work Programme visit http://www.lantra.co.uk/WomenandWork">www.lantra.co.uk/WomenandWork or call 0845 707 8007.