Meet Sarah

I’m Sarah, founder of FEC it.

Animals have always been a huge part of my life. As a smallholder and lifelong owner of companion animals, equines and livestock, I understand first-hand the responsibility that comes with trying to make the right decisions for the animals in our care.

It was that practical experience, combined with my interest in biological sciences, that led me to become increasingly interested in parasite management — and particularly in the role that faecal egg counting can play in helping us make better, more informed decisions about when treatment is, and isn't, necessary.

My interest in parasite management began with my own animals. Like many owners, I wanted to make the best decisions for their health, but I also wanted to understand why I was treating, whether treatment was actually necessary, and how I could use faecal egg counting to help guide those decisions.

The more I learned, the more fascinated I became by the subject — not just by what can be seen down a microscope, but by the much bigger picture of parasite lifecycles, pasture management, appropriate treatment and the growing challenge of anthelmintic resistance.

Combining that interest with my background in biological sciences and many years of experience in training felt like a natural progression, and FEC it was born.

My aim was simple: to make faecal egg counting and sustainable parasite management understandable, practical and accessible, giving other animal owners the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions for the animals in their care.

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I am a graduate with a strong interest in biological sciences and a Suitably Qualified Person (SQP) registered with the Veterinary Medicines Directorate, enabling me to provide professional advice and prescribe certain veterinary medicines, including anthelmintics.

I am also a LANTRA-approved training professional, with more than 30 years' experience in training and communications.

Since launching FEC it workshops, I have trained more than 500 learners across the UK in faecal egg counting and sustainable parasite management.

I have delivered training for smallholder groups, breed societies, National Park Authorities and regional organisations as well as directly to individual animal owners and keepers. Consistently positive learner feedback has given FEC it an outstanding reputation.

I have now brought that teaching experience into the FEC it® online academy, making comprehensive parasite management training accessible wherever you are. Developed over many months, the courses combine clear explanations with step-by-step practical demonstrations, real microscope footage and detailed photographs of parasites. Downloadable guides and quizzes support your learning, while the freedom to pause, replay and revisit lessons helps you build knowledge and practical confidence at your own pace.

All training follows current industry best practice and is aligned with guidance from SCOPS for sheep, COWS for cattle and CANTER for equines.

FEC it isn't about giving people a set of rules to follow. Parasite management is rarely that simple. Different animals, different species, different land and grazing systems, different times of year and even different weather conditions can all influence the decisions we make.

Instead, my approach is to give learners the building blocks of knowledge they need to understand the bigger picture.

That means learning not only how to perform a faecal egg count, but understanding the parasites we are looking for, their lifecycles, how and when animals become infected, what a FEC result can — and cannot — tell us, and where testing fits alongside other factors such as the individual animal, clinical signs, grazing management, treatment history and seasonal risk.

When those individual pieces begin to fit together, parasite management becomes much more meaningful. Rather than simply asking “Should I worm?”, we can start asking better questions: “What is the risk to this animal at this particular time? What information do I have? Do I need more information? Is treatment appropriate — and, if it is, what is the most responsible way to use it?”

One of the things I enjoy most about FEC it is sharing knowledge with people who care about their animals and want to understand more about how best to manage their health.

Whether you are completely new to faecal egg counting or looking to build on existing knowledge, I want the learning experience to feel accessible, engaging and relevant to the animals you care for.

Most importantly, I want you to finish your training with more than the ability to perform a faecal egg count. I want you to understand how all those individual pieces of knowledge fit together — giving you the confidence to question, interpret and make informed decisions as part of the bigger picture of parasite management.

Wherever you are starting from, I hope FEC it will give you the knowledge, practical skills and confidence to take that next step.

Sarah

Founder, FEC it

Trusted by learners

What a fantastic course. Knowledge is power and I can already see the cost savings and the health benefits from putting into action the things I learnt today.

The course was paced perfectly giving you plenty of information and practical time. Everyone with livestock should do this course.

Helen, July 2026

Thoroughly enjoyed the FEC training today! If anyone is considering doing it, we cannot recommend it enough. The amount you will learn in one day is incredible and you will leave fully confident you know what you’re doing and looking for. This is a game changer for our two flocks, our only regret is not doing it sooner. I can’t wait to get my microscope to get looking at samples at home and put what we have learnt to use. Having the training today will change the health and management of our animals for good! Thank you both so much for your time and sharing your knowledge with us all in such an enjoyable way.

Bellweather Valais Blacknose, June 2026

Very informative and fascinating to learn that you could be doing everything wrong with the best intentions.

This will save me a lot of time and money over the course of a year and great to really understand what’s happening with the sheep and the land too

Thanks very much - highly recommend

Anne, November 2025

Meet Sarah

From animal owner to FEC it

Knowledge backed by professional experience

Practical, evidence-led parasite management

Learning together

Trusted by learners