Getting To Know: The Head of the Flock Rick Turner

For 35 years The Big Sheep in Abbotsham has been one of North Devon’s quirkiest institutions, offering visitors and locals alike a great place to have some family fun.

This week North Devon Today sat down with Rick Turner, the Head of the Flock, to find out more about the man behind the amusement park.

Founded by Rick in 1988, The Big Sheep was once a busy working farm in the countryside outside between Bideford and Abbotsham, run by six generations of the Turner family.

When local farmers started to diversify, Rick, and his family decided to open the barn doors and welcome other families in to see the animals, experience feeding times and to see the workings of a day-to-day farm set in Devon.

As the years went on The Big Sheep site was lovingly developed to include a roller coaster, many live shows, festivals and events, including its world-famous sheep racing and now a gin distillery.

What was it like growing up in North Devon?

The perfect place for a childhood on a farm, not sure that health and safety would have approved of us riding the grain trailers in the summer, driving the tractors and working on the farm from the age of 10 or making dens in the middle of the haystacks, but we had a great time.

In the summer we would holiday at Bucks Mills, swimming in the sea, collecting winkles, catching prawns, crabs and lobsters and fishing for mackerel which were all cooked fresh for supper.

How has North Devon changed over the last 20 years?

It has become less insular, there is less of a stigma attached to entrepreneurship and innovation, but it is still very traditional, with traditional values which I love.

Did you have any heroes growing up?

My Great Uncle Richard Radford Turner, who died in the first war aged 23. He is buried in the churchyard at Abbotsham, was a hugely capable athlete, attended Oxford and a very brave soldier who was killed on the front line. A biography of his full but very short life was an inspiration to value and taught me to live every day to its fullest, always be happy – you never know which day will be your last!

What’s the vision behind The Big Sheep?

To create a place where families can come and enjoy the very best leisure time, a place of joy and happiness where the team running the park are having as much fun as the customers. To bring some of the magic of animals and the countryside to those who have never had the opportunity to enjoy it. Creating a park which is nationally renowned as a leader in the attractions field and a showcase for British farming with great food and drink which is recognised for excellence.

Over the years you've been part of many different projects and businesses. Which did you find the most enjoyable?

Yes there have been many but the two which I would pick out here on site would be the Rampage Roller Coaster and the festival site which is a new addition. I have always loved rides, but here in North Devon there was never going to be enough people and visitors to justify a large ride, so when I was able to purchase a fantastic German engineered Zierer coaster, which was at the time the largest indoor roller coaster in the world, and install it here it was massively satisfying.

It was hugely over budget and cost over £1m to install but every day I hear it running around, and the joy and excitement from those riding it brings a big smile to my face, even 10 years later!

The other is the recent installation of an outdoor stage, which was done as part of our covid plans to continue our shows in an outdoor setting. Having brought innovation and creativity to the farm park industry, for me to have the opportunity to start doing the same with the festival and music circuit is something I greatly enjoy, and the joy and pleasure it brings to the 1,000s who attend the festivals is really heartwarming. This year we have the best lineup so far and we are now becoming known as a great venue for bands and talented up and coming artists to perform at.

What do you do for fun?

As an eighth generation farmer, I am always happiest in nature, so I love to walk, preferably in woodland, or along the coast path, enjoying the beautiful ordinary, the plants, flowers, insects and birds and always with my faithful sheepdog Bess. If I can’t walk, then I will be enjoying the scenery riding a big motorbike, skiing, running, biking or scuba diving.

Favourite drink or cocktail?

Always beers with friends, I love having North Devon’s best micro brewery here at the park and never get bored doing market research, trying new and different beers, or just enjoying the forever favourites like Golden Pig or Proper Job!

Favourite food?

Total passion – my mum is just the very best cook and so I have always enjoyed great healthy food, straight from the garden. I love every type of food and variety for me is key but the favourite would probably be Spaghetti Bolognaise. At the age of 13 I used to cook this for my sister and I and we could consume a whole packet of spaghetti at one sitting. I am still in awe of how I managed to do this!

Favourite films?

Normally one that ends happily, and when you get to my age the key metric is whether I managed to stay awake during the entire film. Pretty Woman would be an old favourite or more recently action movies like Top Gun Maverick.

Favourite TV/streaming series?

Although I have all the streaming services, I tend to watch sport rather than Netflix but I’m loving the new series The Gentleman.

Favourite book?

I read every day and although I have consumed thousands of business and personal development books, I love historical novels so any book by Ken Follet would be high on my list. Also, James Mitchener or Edward Rutherford’s epic blockbusters which are a great escape from the world.

Apart from The Big Sheep, what’s your favourite spot in North Devon?

I love the beaches and would feel at home on the sandy expanses of Putsborough or Westward Ho! but Clovelly is a super special place, one which we often take for granted. I love to walk down to the Red Lion and enjoy a beer on the breakwater looking at the sea and the wonky old fishermans houses.

Do you have a favourite part of the business?

Probably dealing with the flock – we employ just the very best people and I love to see the young people we employ, grow, develop, learn new skills and gain confidence. It is always sad when they leave and move on to their forever jobs and careers but they leave with our very best wishes and maybe they will be back one day to help us in the future.

What do you think this area does better than anywhere else?

We are world beating with our coastline, great variety with villages, incredible beaches, hidden coves and coastal walks, especially in May when the bluebells are in full bloom. This gives us a very special quality of life, the downside is that with a small local population and low average incomes, operating a business here in North Devon, especially a seasonal one is very challenging.

What could and should be improved in North Devon?

It is pretty special just as it is, however I think we could improve the business environment for those who are trying to run a business and employ local people, appropriate development is a positive and we need to encourage the young to stay here as there is a viable future to do so.

We always joked when we were setting up, that all the people with get up and go, had got up and gone. I think this is changing but it is still a huge challenge running a major attraction in North Devon, with very little appreciation or rewards.

What is it about North Devon that keeps you here?

Having travelled through most of the world, this is still pretty well top of the list of places to be and work and we are lucky to be here. Let's appreciate it every day.

What would you say are your proudest moments?

Maybe some recognition, awards that the business and I have received and especially the lifetime contribution to Devon Tourism Award or the National Innovation Award for UK attraction, leading the flock for the rest to follow. 

Do you have any regrets?

Maybe working too hard and not having kids, however there are upsides and certainly life is simpler and less expensive without them.

Do you have any advice for young entrepreneurs in North Devon?

Be brave, be bold, don’t give up and find a solution to every problem. There is never just one solution, when it doesn’t work out, just move on to plan B and then Plan C – enjoy every day with a smile and be thankful for what you have rather than what you don’t have.