Child in the Wild Forest School
'Fuelling the fires of future generations.'
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Meet the Team
This is the Child in the Wild dream team!
We can't wait to meet you!
Hayley - Forest School Leader and Business Owner
Hello!
My name is Hayley and I founded Child in the Wild Forest School. I am excited to say that I am now a qualified Level 3 Forest School Leader and outdoor first aider! I have always adored nature and studied animal conservation/management at college, I then continued to university and earned a BSc honours degree in Animal behaviour and welfare, with a focus on wildlife conservation. I ran a home-based wild hedgehog rescue for almost 6 years, and have extensive volunteer experience working outdoors and with wildlife both in the UK and abroad. I have also voluntarily worked with young people at a local youth centre. My favourite trip was when I volunteered in South Africa for 5 weeks which included working with primary school aged children. We taught them about the importance of conservation, and took them out on game drives to show them the amazing wildlife on their doorstep, that many of them had never seen before! I'll never forget the joy on their faces. I completely fell in love with the wild animals we were studying too, it was a truly life-changing experience. It was after that trip that I realised that personally enjoying nature was one thing, but to show, share and experience all that nature has to offer with others, especially children, was beyond better!
When I became a mum to my 2 children (who are now 3 and 4 years old - doesn't time fly?!), I became really fascinated and passionate about early years and outdoor learning. As a family we spend a lot of time outside, especially mucking about in the woods! One-day I had a 'lightbulb moment' about how to combine my passion for our wild world with my interest in child development and outdoor learning - I decided to become a Forest School Leader and start my own business! So after almost a full year in the planning, 5 courses, endless research, lots of networking and Crowdfunding, (and I have even had to finally learn how to drive!), here we finally are! It feels like a dream come true to open the 'doors' of Child in the Wild Forest School. I hope that I will get to know you too, out in our beautiful woodland site, surrounded by the endless wonder of our wild world! Hayley x
Andy - Volunteer
Hi!
My name is Andy and I happen to be Hayley's husband! I'm a qualified tree surgeon and bushcraft enthusiast. I love all things 'outdoorsy' and feel happiest in the Great Outdoors. I realised just how important spending time outdoors was for me when I was having a hard time with my mental health a few years ago, and started to take an interest in bushcraft and wild camping. I taught myself with books and videos, and the more I learned about bushcraft, the more I loved it! The positive difference I saw in my mental health was incredible. Spending more time outdoors, doing something I love changed me, and my whole family noticed the difference! It wasn't long before I took a leap of faith and quit my office job to become a tree surgeon, so that I can spend everyday outside! (Hayley and I even got married outside in the woods!)
I'm also a trained first aider and have lots of experience working with children and young people, both abroad and here in the UK (mainly at STEPS club for young people in Weymouth, Dorset).
I can't wait to get out into the woods, sharing my passion and passing on my knowledge at Child in the Wild Forest School. See you out there! Andy :)
Mark - Volunteer
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Diana - Managing Partner
Hey!
My name is Diana and I am a mum to 2 girls, a 3 year old and a young baby. My family loves spending time outdoors and it's something we are trying to do more of.
I have always enjoyed being surrounded by kids and have always marvelled at how their little brains work. It is fascinating to see the world through their eyes, and I believe that we (adults) can learn from them as much as they can learn from us. As a teenager, I had the opportunity to look after a group of girls during some of their sessions at a Summer camp, and I absolutely loved it! It was very rewarding too.
When Hayley told me about her plans for Child in the Wild, I knew I wanted to be a part of it! As well as a volunteer, I am a managing partner, and will be helping with all aspects of the running of the Forest School (I'll be more 'hands-on' once my baby is a little older!).
I recently became a qualified first aider and I am learning all things 'Forest School' as I go. I can't wait to learn with you out in the beautiful woodland! I hope to meet you soon. Diana xx