Meet the Cropton team

Find out more about the people you might see during your stay

Sally Honcharenko

General Manager 

Sally helps deliver unique and memorable holiday experiences for our guests, by overseeing operational excellence across all areas of the location at Cropton. Her favourite place to visit in the local area is Ravenscar, here you can walk down the cliff side onto the sea front and see the seals and other wildlife. Sally's favourite cabin at Cropton is number 39, for the privacy and view from the decking out towards the forest.

What is your favourite British animal and why?

“Deer, we love to see them on location in Yorkshire.”
  • Forest Retreat manager Hannah at Cropton, Forest Holidays

    Hannah Gray

    Operations Manager 

    You’ll find Hannah busy working in the Forest Retreat or helping out and about on location. Her favourite place to visit in the local area is The Seal Colony at Ravenscar followed by a bite to eat at the Graze on the Green, Rosedale. Hannah’s rainy-day of choice would be to snuggle up with a good film, hot chocolate, snacks and listen to the rain. Her favourite forest fact would be that Fly Agaric Mushrooms don’t grow with white spots, they grow with a white veil, this then bursts and creates the white spotted appearance.

    What is your favourite thing about working at Forest Holidays?

    “The training, development and progression within the company.”

    Noel Hellmann

    Forest Ranger 

    Noel is our Forest Ranger at Cropton, working closely with local authorities to protect the forest and its wildlife, while also leading a range of exciting guest activities. You might spot him in the Ranger Hub, exploring the trails, or chatting with visitors in the Forest Retreat. For a local adventure, Noel recommends Goathland for its stunning walks and scenery. His favourite places to eat include Figaro’s in Pickering, and his top trails are the green and yellow routes. 

    What is your favourite forest fact?

    "Half of the deer species in the UK are escapees—three of the six being muntjac, sika, and Chinese water deer."
    Team member at Forest Holidays Cropton

    Lena Broxholme

    Forest Retreat Manager

    Lena is a friendly face in the Forest Retreat at Cropton, welcoming guests, stocking the shop, or crafting delicious food and drinks. She loves walking the Green Route with her dog and grabbing a bite at 'Nosh' café in Pickering. Her rarest wildlife sighting? A majestic Barn Owl!

    What makes Forest Holidays that bit different to your average holiday cottage?

    "At Forest Holidays, we’re not just about providing a place to stay – we’re all about creating memories that guests will cherish forever. We’re all about those extra-special, personal touches that turn a holiday into something unforgettable. It’s the little things we do that make the biggest difference!"