I have worked at various outdoor centres across the world, including Canada and Ireland. Growing up in Nepal, I have led a number of international projects, including a pioneering mission in Burundi for young people in acute need. I studied Geoscience at St Andrew’s University and am passionate about outdoor adventure and the natural environment. Outside of work I am a keen mountain biker and love backpack camping with my children.

I manage the outdoor instructor team and love using the outdoors as a teaching space and creating memorable outdoor experiences for young people. I’ve explored almost every corner of Dartmoor and many of the mountainous regions of the UK, either by foot, on a bike, in a canoe and even by horse!

I am a passionate outdoorsman who established the forest school at Heatree where we run our bushcraft sessions. I’m also responsible for the management of the 80-hectare estate. My family are the proud owners of two guinea pigs, six Indian runner ducks, two quails, three stick insects and a 12-year-old tortoise called Colin.

Alongside instructing, I plan and staff the adventure activity programmes, liaise with schools about their residentials and help train new instructors. I am qualified in British Sign Language. I love trail running and in 2023 I completed the Hameldown Hammer; a gruelling half marathon on Dartmoor.

Aside from my main role of instructing, I organise all the training throughout the year, including our expedition trips to different parts of the UK. I am qualified in British Sign Language. In my ‘spare’ time I love gardening and am a passionate climber, paddler and mountain biker. I also love camping and taking my family on mini adventures.

When I’m not instructing activities, I can often be found in the woods with a chainsaw in hand or driving the tractor. Previously I’ve worked as an emergency care assistant for the ambulance service and as a ski guide in the Swiss Alps. I live near the sea and love water sports, especially sailing, kayaking and coasteering.

I enjoy sharing my love of the outdoors with children and encouraging them to develop healthy attitudes and behaviours, and motivating them to explore their potential. I am a keen surfer and love exploring new coastlines through the beauty of the seasons. I once swam with a 17ft Basking shark off the West Coast of Ireland.

I love all things outdoors so am really passionate about instructing and coaching others in adventure activities. I am currently completing a Masters in Applied Theology. Previously I’ve worked as a church youth worker and mentored in a local secondary school. I love reading or getting stuck into a good puzzle book.

I have a background in primary school teaching and enjoy integrating the RE curriculum into the activity sessions. I love inspiring and encouraging children to explore the outdoors. Before moving to Devon, I was teaching in a primary school on the North Coast of Northern Ireland. I enjoy camping, reading, hiking, exploring and sharing dinner with friends.

Alongside managing the admin team, as part of the leadership team I help with the long-term plans and vision of the charity. Before Heatree I’ve worked as a youth pastor, a gardener, a drum kit teacher and a writer. I love adventures with my family, cold-water swimming, playing the guitar and following Jesus.

Having always worked with figures, I mostly enjoy the stories that appear from the numbers as I work with them. Outside of work I enjoy being part of both church communities that I attend, seeing family and being in nature, particularly woodlands. My grandchildren like me to go on winter walks with them because I always have warm hands!

My background is in graphic design and photography. Outside of work, you’ll usually find me with my family down the allotment, or we’re often travelling to see family in the Basque Country in Northern Spain. My travel highlights are hiking the Inca Trail and exploring Iran. I speak fluent Spanish and love crossword puzzles.

Before working at Heatree I was PA to the Principal of a Theological College. I enjoy growing vegetables in the allotment, sewing, baking and DIY. My home life is very busy with four wonderful children. I used to be a Street Angel with Watford Town Centre Chaplaincy. I love singing!

I have a background working in the travel industry and teaching English overseas, as well as systems administration and marketing. I lived in China for almost eight years and can speak some Mandarin Chinese. I have a keen sense of adventure and have travelled a lot and love to spend time getting outdoors with my family.

Aside from managing a small team of housekeepers, I personally oversee A LOT of laundry for the entire centre, as well as many other tasks. Outside of work, I love running my Avon business online. I have only ever flown once and that was to do aerobatics in a biplane!

I enjoy seeing everyone being full and happy after a good meal. I used to work in a patisserie for many years and I love creating new, sweet recipes. When I’m not working I’m spending all my time with my family and love taking trips to London. I once used to be able to put my legs behind my head!

Beginning my career in hospitality when I was 13, I worked in hotel management and then on to public houses where I developed an interest in catering. I love travelling and meeting people, and travelling by train, car, plane, but not boat!

Alongside being part of the leadership team, I fix broken stuff, build new stuff and dream up future stuff. I’ve worked in outdoor education centres for many years and across the world, most recently in the Scottish Highlands. I love rock climbing and exploring new places outdoors.

I spend most of my time helping to maintain the building and fixing things, as well as occasionally helping with groundskeeping and instructing. My Family and I belong to the local parish church where we help with leading worship and children’s groups.

Through the Venture Beyond gap year scheme I’ve qualified as a climbing wall instructor and walking guide. Outside of work I’m a Civilian Instructor in the Royal Air Force Air Cadets which I’ve been involved with for years. I love playing the piano and helping to lead worship in my local church.

We are responsible for making the centre safe, clean and tidy, ready for the next guests. Our small team work hard to create a warm and welcoming place to visit.

Clockwise left to right: Katie, Anna, Kaye, Liz, Phillipa, Lorna, Di, Sophie