Mrs Wilkie
Founder
"I opened the nursery in August 1991 - with a vision to deliver care and education to children using the environment of our family farm. Over the years animals and children have come and gone but the ethos of using the seasons and the great outdoors to help children learn and develop remains the same. As a hands on owner and manager I am proud to still be involved on a daily basis with the children by delivering music and singing sessions and happy to be around to support families and staff in nurturing and preparing the children for their lives ahead."
Sandy Wilkie MBE
Retired milk man and "santa"
"Sandy Wilkie, took over the family business from his father Peter Wilkie, and "Wilkie’s Milk” was delivered to the local committee from the farm for many years.
Sandy was awarded an MBE in 2018 for his support to the local community eg Blantyre Round Table, East Kilbride Young Farmers, David Livingstone Memorial to name but a few. More recently he is a retired milkman who now supports Maggie’s Lanarkshire, Hamilton Racecourse and his tribe of grandchildren! Perhaps Bardykes Farm's worst kept secret - at Christmas he plays the main role of "Santa Sandy”
Kimberley Wilkie
General Manager
"After studying at Stirling University, I worked in hospitality with Hilton Hotels for 10 years in both Glasgow and London. I lived in Singapore whilst working on some international events before I moved back to the family farm in 2014 to raise my 2 daughters.
I’m honoured to have the opportunity to keep my mum’s dream alive by developing our outdoor spaces and maintaining Bardykes as a truly unique learning environment.”
Katie Peters
Nursery Events Manager & Child Protection Officer
"The dream team welcomed me in November 2016 as a student, whilst undertaking my BA in Childhood Studies and I was amazed at the vast outdoor space, the animals and the home from home environment which is unlike any other nursery. I was delighted to be offered a permanent position in April 2017 and have since attained my BA (Hons) Childhood Studies and my Masters in Early Years. I have been able to adapt the theory and knowledge from these courses into my role within the leadership team and supporting the dream team on the floor. "
Kerstin McKim
Quality & Standards, Child Protection Officer
"I joined the Bardykes team to support with Quality and Improvements. I have enjoyed a period of 6 months as interim nursery manager and I am delighted to continue working with the team.
I have been working in early years and social care for over 17 years in various roles and loved every minute of it!
I have many pets of my own, both small and large, so I quickly fell in love with the opportunities Bardykes Farm & the Nursery School here offers.
I have enjoyed getting to know all the children, families, animals and being a part of the dream team."
Email - kerstinbardykes@outlook.com
Maxine Ross
Expert Practitioner
"I started working at Bardykes in 1998 whilst studying my HNC in Childcare and Education.
It's great seeing the children grow in confidence from year to year as they learn and develop at nursery.
The farm surroundings gives the children experience with animals, helps them learn how the original farm was used with the old machinery we still have, and allows them to collect home grown organic fruit from the orchard.
The things I love about the nursery is being able to give the children a unique experience and being hands on with the animals - collecting eggs from our chickens, feeding Rosie and Ruth our horses.
I feel very lucky to be working at Bardykes Farm Nursery School and think I have the best job in the world working with the children and the animals."
Email - maxinebardykes@hotmail.co.uk
Christie Cairns
Senior Practitioner
"Hi Everyone, I’m Christie!
I began my Bardykes journey as an HNC Childhood Practice student in March 2021. I was thrilled to be offered a full time job role as a key worker/practitioner very quickly after my start date. I have been a qualified full time member of staff since July 2021. My favourite thing about the nursery is how warm and approachable all of our staff members are and the small team environment makes Bardykes feel like a little family. The daily interactions and curiosity from the children make no two days the same. I am extremely passionate about outdoor play and how children can learn, develop and grow from the natural world around them🪵♻️. In my spare time, I make personalised handcrafted gifts for people, which brings out my creative, arty side! I’ve previously ran my own children’s classes “Tootsies” and have also helped out at Bardykes Events. One of my favourite quotes is : “Anything that can be done inside, can be done outside, and so much more”. ✏️🌈🍃
As of June 2023 I will be on my travels to begin my adventure at Camp America, a summer programme where I will continue my combined love for working with children, the outdoors and travel! "
Email - christiebardykes@gmail.com
Rebecca Stewart
Lead Outdoor Play Practitioner
"You can call me Becca! I've been in childcare since 2021, qualifying with a HNC in childcare and then completing my SQV level 4 also in childcare. I'm a big animal person, growing up I had chickens, cats, dogs and reptiles and still currently have 3 dogs and a leopard gecko. I love the outdoors and will often spend my weekends climbing Munros or doing some wild swimming. When I'm not hiking, I enjoy playing pool. I'm a big believer in the dirty a child is, the more fun they've had."
Stephen McSporran
Gardening & Woodwork Specialist
"Hi, you can all call me Stevie. I completed my HNC in Childhood Practice in 2021 and have worked at Bardykes since then.
After several years of working with adults with additional needs, I am enjoying the experience of early years practice.
I am a keen gardener and like to grow as much of my own food as possible from a herb garden on the kitchen window to potatoes in the back garden. I love to encourage children to grow things and experience the joy of going from seed to plate.
I also like to recycle/ upcycle as much as possible and encourage the children to reuse as much recyclable material as possible.
I am excited to encourage the children at Bardykes to develop more knowledge and skills in their environment."
Email - stephenbardykes@gmail.com
Gillian Linn
Teacher
"I joined the team at Bardykes in May 2025. I have worked with children since 2015, having been a swimming teacher before pursuing a career in childcare. I spent a year working in a Kindergarten in Leipzig, Germany which sparked my interest in working in a nursery setting. I completed my PGDE in primary education and spent a year teaching in a primary school. Outside of work, I enjoy swimming, reading and going to concerts. I am a leader with Girlguiding and love camping."
Jodi Patterson
Nursery Practitioner
"Hi everyone 💜 at Bardykes they call me JoJo and I live in Blantyre! I joined the team in August 2023 to start a Modern Apprenticeship.
When I was growing up, looking after my neighbours kids or my little cousins was the best time in my life. I loved watching them live their lives and learning so many things along the way. Working at Bardykes is a dream come true! It has shown me that I have achieved my own goal in helping children achieve theirs and watch them grow into their own person and develop their own way of thinking. Getting to be one of the people that has helped a child achieve a great milestone is a wonderful feeling, I know that working in Bardykes will make that feeling a permanent thing.
In my spare time, I am a very big reader, I am a strong believer that reading books boosts your mind and imagination. Settling down with a good book is one of the best things about my days, getting to live in that world I'm reading about. I'd love to show kids the value in reading a good book, to show them that there are so much more worlds to explore with your mind. To imagine what the scenery is and what the characters look like and to feel how the story makes you feel. In my opinon, every child should get to experience the feeling of living in their book, their story."
Email - jodibardykes@hotmail.com
Amanda Hepburn
Nursery Practitioner
"Hello, my name is Amanda I have recently joined the team at Bardykes. I am looking forward to getting to know all your lovely children and helping them grow, learn and develop. I have been in childcare for almost 8 years on and off gaining my S.V.Q level 2 and 3 qualifications in children’s care, learning and development. I stay in Blantyre with my husband and our 2 daughters who are 13 and 5. I am vegan and have been for the last 5 years and love animals at home we have our 2 rescue cats Kiwi and Sushi and our tortoise Oreo. I enjoy spending time with family and friends and I love a good games night with lots of laughter. I enjoy going on walks on nature trails and taking pictures of nature and the animals. I also enjoy going camping to a dark skies area to see what shooting stars can be found where there is no build up light."
Email - amandabardykes@outlook.com
Morgan McGoldrick
Nursery Practitioner
"I am now a fully qualified practitioner here at Bardykes! Some of you may remember me from my time here in 2024 when I was a modern apprentice and I am so happy to be back 😁
After moving house to Airdrie I was forced to make a difficult decision to step away from Bardykes, but my heart always stayed with the farm, the family, the animals, the team and, most of all, the children and I now know there is nowhere else for me!
I have been working and studying childcare since 2020 and have been working on continuously progressing my own learning. I have achieved my level 7 in social services, children and young people. I have such a passion for working with children, watching them grow and develop that I knew it was the job for me.
I still live in Airdrie with my partner, Reece, and spend most weekends exploring new places, trying new things and eating new food! If i’m not doing that then you’ll most likely find me wrapped in a blanket with my nose buried in a book 📖"
Freyja Torlay
Nursery Practitioner
"Hello! I spent most of my childhood outdoors therefore I'm passionate about Outdoor Learning and Child Led Play. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing a child develop whilst in your care and this truly makes me love my job so much. In my spare time I like to babysit, go on walks with my doggies or go to the beach! I live in Wishaw with my partner Callum and we both grew up around there. I am so excited to be on my journey at Bardykes Farm and work with all these lovely faces! "
Lorena Palazzo
Trainee Nursery Practitioner
"I am really enjoying my journey here at Bardykes. I have been a lover of the farm for a long time and couldn’t think of a better place for my little one to be at nursery and, lucky for me, I got a job here too! I previously worked a desk job and couldn’t be more excited for this adventure including getting to know all the little ones and all of the animals on the farm. While I am still working through the formal qualifications, I have good experience in early years and with ASN through personal relationships and volunteer work. I have a son, Oliver, who now attends Bardykes and we live in Hamilton with Oliver’s daddy and our big fluffy pup Alfie."
Stephanie Reid
Trainee Nursery Practitioner
"Hello I am undertaking a modern apprenticeship through Carousel Training at Bardykes. With a strong passion for early childhood education, I’m dedicated to creating a warm, supportive, and enriching environment for every child in our care. I believe in the power of play-based learning and am committed to fostering each child’s emotional, social, and cognitive growth. My goal is to ensure every child feels safe, valued, and excited about learning. I work closely with families to make sure their child’s experience at Bardykes Nursery Farm is positive, rewarding, and full of joy.
Outside of work, I’m passionate about football. I previously played for Wishaw Wycombe Wanderers Girls Football Team, where I developed valuable teamwork and leadership skills that I bring into my role at the nursery. Although I no longer play competitively, I still enjoy watching the games and believe the core values of sports: teamwork, discipline, and dedication are essential in both education and life."
Email - stephaniebardykes@outlook.com
Chloe Hendry
Nursery Practitioner
"Growing up I have always been fond of the development and growth of children and since my sister had my nephew I have had a greater fondness for the way children learn and grow. Working at Bardykes is like no other nursery I have ever seen as it helps the children create close bonds with many types of animals, lets the children feed and care for them on a daily basis and helps the children create magical bonds in nature. In my spare time I like to go on a lot of walks - long or short as they help me to think better and focus. I also like to go shopping and go out to eat with friends and family as I feel that doing these activities together help us all get along better. I cannot wait to get to know all of the families and help your children on their nursery journey in such a special place."
Email - chloebardykes@outlook.com
Ellie Lynch
Trainee Nursery Practitioner
"I absolutely love working here! Being around the children and the animals every day is so rewarding as I enjoy helping them learn, grow, and discover new things. It’s amazing to see their personalities develop and to be a part of their early learning journey. The team at Bardykes are all really supportive, and I’ve learned so much from them already. Every day is different, and that keeps things exciting. In my spare time I like to spend time with family and friends as much as I can and I also love listening to music, I am always at a concert!🫶 "
Email - elliebardykes@outlook.com
Pamela Lindsay
Former Pupil Animal Carer
"I’m so excited to be part of the team at Bardykes! I work mainly with the animals, helping the children build bonds with them and showing how caring for animals can have a positive impact. I believe that learning to look after animals teaches kindness, responsibility, and empathy—important lessons for life. Bardykes holds a special place in my heart, as I attended the nursery myself as a child. I truly believe my early years here sparked my lifelong love for animals, and I’m thrilled to now be sharing that passion with the next generation.
In my spare time, I love riding my horse, Ollie, and going for long walks with my dog, Lola. Being outdoors with my animals is where I’m happiest, and I can’t wait to share that joy with the children at Bardykes!"
Rian Whitson
Former Pupil Animal Carer
"I originally came to Bardykes as a student and have since spent my life surrounded by animals of all kinds. I went to college for animal's care and I am currently attending university for applied bioscience and zoology. I have a lot of experience working with a variety of animals and look forward to working with all the animals at Bardykes.
I thoroughly remember spending time with the horses and lambs when I was a child at the nursery and I am happy to help the team give the same experience to more children. I am also able to help expand the experiences with my growing knowledge of animals and all that encompasses them.
When I am not at university or working with animals, I love going to see the dinosaur skeletons at the museum. "
Lisa Donaldson
Health & Safety and Admin
“Hi, my name is Lisa, I am one of the parents here are Bardykes and started as a volunteer Events Assistant in 2022. I am now part of the Dream Team doing Events and Health & Safety and will be undertaking some admin requirements too. I have many years’ experience in the hospitality and events sectors and as a volunteer leader with the Scout & Guide movements which will stand me in good stead for working at Bardykes.
I very much enjoy working on the farm, seeing the children grow and learn new skills, ensuring they have a safe environment to do this, and looking after the animals, especially the lambs!"
Email - lisabardykes@gmail.com
Kerry McKenzie
Events & Support
"Also known as ‘Kerry Berry’ I am thrilled to be involved in the Bardykes Dream Team for both events & nursery. I have a qualification in Social Services for Children and Young People, as well as a BA Honours degree from the Scottish School of Contemporary Dance. Early intervention in early years has always been by passion, particularly working with children with additional support needs and helping children to connect with nature and their local community. I bring my experience of working in schools in Dubai, my experience in leading creative movement classes and being a pre-school science teacher to the farm, to create a non-judgemental nurturing experience for children & families to thrive, take risks and have lots of fun!"
Holly Dickson
Former Pupil Event Host
"I restarted at Bardykes for work experience with animals back in 2020 helping Kim out at events with her Dream Team! I work full time locally doing admin at an engineering maintenance company. Bardykes is very special to me and my family, as I’m a former pupil here and I love that I get to experience it all over again with the new familes who attend the events. It’s a very unique and rewarding experience seeing both adults & children having a great time with the animals doing fun, education activities we have on offer at seasonal special events throughout the year.
Ps. my favourite animal is definitely Bonnie the dog "
Richard Kane
Handyman
“I’m Richie, I help around the farm with the animals and fixing things. I’ve lived in Blantyre all my life and enjoy working at Bardykes.”