I am an outdoor learning specialist. I spent five years (2007-2012) as Head of Education & Outreach at the Yorkshire Arboretum, a partnership between the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew and Castle Howard. I created their outdoor education programme from zero base and it was this role that ignited my passion for outdoor learning. I welcomed over 20,000 school pupils on organised visits over the first five years of the programme, established and managed a team of extraordinary volunteers, set up new a teacher and volunteer training programme and delivered large scale, public outdoor events that welcomed over 3,000 activity participants to each event weekend. I continue to work with a range of schools, charities, education and CPD providers to:
- – Develop new outdoor education and public engagement programmes.
- – Provide support and training for established outdoor education programmes.
- – Create and deliver outdoor curriculum-based sessions for students of all ages.
- – Provide conference workshops, CPD and INSET for teachers, teaching assistants and technicians to inspire and enable use of the outdoor classroom and develop confidence teaching outside.
- – Train volunteers to lead and support outdoor learning activities.
- – Develop outdoor teaching sites and habitats.
- – Source, manage and develop outdoor equipment and resources.
- – Create outdoor education kits and lesson plans.
- – Sign post to specialist resources, support and funding opportunities.
I have previously or currently work with a range of organisations including the Woodland Trust, the National STEM Learning Centre and Regional Science Learning Partnerships, the Woodmeadow Trust, Hackfall Woods and St Nicks.
If you would like support or leadership to develop your outdoor education provision please contact me to discuss your requirements.