Ruby and Lutfi have always been interested in the relationship between health and the environment. Ruby studied Psychology and also trained as a holistic therapist. Lutfi studied Geography in London before completing a PhD in Oxford on irrigation and society.  In Oxford Ruby taught at an A level college and worked as a reflexologist at the Acland hospital whilst Lutfi, after briefly lecturing in London, took up a post in his old department in Oxford where he taught for 10 years, whilst working as an overseas rural development consultant.

At home they applied their academic and spiritual principles in seeking to raise their children in a healthy and natural environment. Then in 2002 they took their young family on an adventure! They gave up their jobs and established Willowbrook Farm where they sought to rear animals ethically, nurture the environment on the farm and live sustainably. They now live in a house made of mud which they built and deliver ethical and sustainable produce to customers in Oxfordshire and beyond.