Wild Explorers Forest School
The
grown-ups
behind the
adventures.

I have always had a dream to start my own business. In 2019, after the birth of my third child, I went into childminding and fell in love with childcare and early years. When COVID-19 hit we moved into the garden, which opened a completely new world of learning through nature. After endless research about forest schools and the power of child-led learning, I qualified as a Level 3 Forest School Leader, secured some land, and the rest is history. I could not be more proud of how far we have come as a setting, and I feel strongly that our child-led and forestry ethos is a wonderful start in a child’s journey.

I am a qualified Occupational Therapist and previously worked in acute mental health. I took a break from working to look after my three children, and whilst being a full-time mum I started working with a friend to help her childminding business, and look where we are now. I am so proud of our journey to becoming a forestry nursery and cannot believe I work in such an amazing setting. The OT in me loves the child-led approach and I feel like I learn with them every day. I look forward to being part of your little one’s adventure.

Hello, my name is Sophie. Since gaining my first-class primary teaching degree and having had experience in various schools and settings, I decided EYFS is where my heart is. I have always been a big fan of the outdoors, so during my final year at university I specialised in outdoor education and the positive impact it has, alongside child-led learning, in developing a child’s PSED. When I discovered Wild Explorers, I knew it was the perfect fit for me and could not wait to combine my passion with the forest school ethos. Through working my way up to management I have gained valuable experience in all aspects of early education, and I look forward to working with you and your children.

I have enjoyed working with children and young people for over 20 years, as a college tutor, youth worker and more recently in the early years sector. Whilst in my role as a youth worker, supporting SEND and ‘at risk’ children, I trained as a forest school practitioner in 2018. I later qualified as a Level 3 early years educator in 2021. I believe allowing children in early years to embrace and grow in nature through a forest school approach equips them with the valuable skills they will need in later life.

Hi. I have 10+ years’ experience working in the wildlife industry, from zoos to wildlife rehabilitation centres. I also have a Level 3 qualification as a forest school practitioner. I am passionate about all things wildlife and very excited to share that knowledge with the children and get them passionate about nature too. I am the conservation lead at Wild Explorers and enjoy working on site and with the wider community to promote conservation and sustainability.

Hi, my name’s Hannah. After many years in retail I have taken the leap into retraining in early years. I have previously worked at an indoor nursery provision, which was an amazing experience, but I have decided that outdoor learning and the forest school environment is where my heart lies. I am a keen gardener, so I cannot wait to get my hands dirty and explore nature with your little ones.

Hi, I am Bekah. I am qualified with a BA Hons in child development and play work. I have enjoyed working here at Wild Explorers and over the years have seen how much of a positive impact the forest school approach and child-led ethos has on the children’s learning. I am a naturally busy and sociable person, so working in this environment I am able to spend quality time with the children and share my love of the outdoors while watching them grow and develop. I look forward to continuing to work with you and your little ones.

Hi, my name is Maria. I love to travel and I am a mum to 2 teenage boys, spending my weekends supporting my son’s football team. I gained my NNEB childcare qualification at Stockport College in 1998. I worked in a private nursery first as a nursery practitioner and then eventually as deputy manager. I took a break from working to be a full-time mum and bring up my boys, however, now they are growing up I have missed working with children and feel I want to focus once again on my career. It is wonderful to see the learning, independence and confidence the children gain from being in an outdoor setting here at Wild Explorers.

Hi, I’m Lu (Lucinda). After 19 years working for the Environment Agency I was ready for a new challenge. Since joining Wild Explorers I have gained a Level 3 qualification as a forestry practitioner and can see how much a forestry approach develops a child’s confidence and development. In my spare time I love gardening and enjoy using the site garden to facilitate a wide variety of activities and learning opportunities. I look forward to helping the team continue to create the best natural environment for your children to enjoy.

After 17 years as a commercial photographer, I decided to change my career for something new. I have always wanted to work with children, and the creative, outdoor and adventurous nature of Wild Explorers was the perfect opportunity for this. I have two daughters of my own and a stepson to keep me more than busy out of hours. I will be starting my Level 3 forestry practitioner qualification soon, and look forward to learning and progressing while working closely with you and your children.

Hi, I’m Martha, and I am currently completing my Level 3 Childcare Apprenticeship. I really enjoy sports and spending time outdoors, particularly playing football for two women’s teams. Working at Wild Explorers is a great opportunity for me to develop my career in childcare while combining this with my love of the outdoors. I enjoy being active and getting involved in activities with the children, and I love seeing them learn, explore and develop through play. I look forward to continuing to grow my experience at Wild Explorers and getting to know all of the children and families.

Hello, my name is Bex and I have a T Level in Early Years and Education. I gained experience at Lostock Primary School through both my placement and working in their before and after school club. It was during this time that I found I particularly enjoyed the outdoor activities and seeing children learn through play, which inspired me to join Wild Explorers. I love being outdoors and spending time walking my dog, so working in a forest school setting is a perfect fit for me. I look forward to working with you and your children.

Hi, I’m Hayley. I have always been an outdoorsy person, having previously worked as a warden at eco campsites. In my spare time I love going on dog walks, paddle boarding and hiking. Since having my little girl I have enjoyed sharing my love for the outdoors with her, and through this I have seen the many benefits of open-ended outdoor play and natural learning, especially in the early years. Once I found Wild Explorers I knew it was the place for me. I look forward to working with you and your children and fostering their love of nature too.

Hi, I’m Cat and I have an environmental science degree. I am very passionate about spending time outside and enjoy hiking and gardening. I have previously worked as a multi-sports camp leader and have also volunteered at the wildlife trust, planning and supporting environmental events aimed at children and families. I am very excited to share my enthusiasm for the outside world with your children.

Hello, I’m Teresa. I have always enjoyed being outside and sharing that with my 6 children, from bike rides to big family walks with the grandchildren too. I have seen the value of outdoor learning for children of all ages through my own experiences, and more recently working in the before and after school club at Lostock Primary School and before that 17 years as Catering Lead at Vernon Primary School. I find seeing the children getting messy and building their confidence outside so rewarding, and I am excited about working in this incredible environment and with your children.