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A little bit about me

The great outdoors has been my passion for many years. A sense of adventure has led me to explore many disciplines including Bushcraft, Wild Camping, climbing, hiking, archery and mountain biking. I have always been interested in the association between the benefits of the outdoors and the effects it has on our health and well being. This led me to study the concept of ‘Nature Deficit Disorder’ a term first coined by Richard Louv. This term describes the human costs of alienation from nature, among them: ‘diminished use of the senses, attention difficulties, and higher rates of physical and emotional illnesses’ (Louv R, 2005).  The benefits of exposure to our natural outdoor environment are endless. It inspires creativity and fully engages all our senses playing a vital role in our development. 

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Qualified to degree level in Community & Youth Studies, I have a wealth of experience with over 28 years of working alongside young people of all ages and backgrounds, including those with physical and learning disabilities. This has entailed helping them engage with nature, learn new skills and become more independent. Throughout my years as a Youth worker I have developed various styles of engaging young people - group work, forums, arts and crafts, drama based workshops, outdoor education including bushcraft and survival.

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I have previously managed an Activity centre, where I instructed and delivered a variety of activities and also was a Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) award assessor. Whilst working in the outdoor environment I have developed activities using bushcraft and survival as a medium to engage with adults and young people.  I have found it to be most fulfilling, producing effective and successful results. I believe this is due to the element of adventure, excitement and learning new skills, whilst delivering activities which are relevant and fun filled. Bushcraft and survival along with other outdoor activities particularly those that involve adventure, are an excellent tool to engage young people. They break down barriers, overcome fears, develop new skills, and disciplines which can be transferred into areas of their everyday life. Leading the participant into the unexpected and unknown, removing them from familiar surroundings and comfort zones, they build relationships, confidence, self esteem and a sense of achievement as they learn how to engage with their environment, learning to survive and exist off the land.

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So if you are up for some fun and adventure, regardless of age or ability, why don’t you give me a call? I am very flexible and can adapt any activity to meet the needs of the individual or group. Look forward to hearing from you.