I have been with Countryside Learning for almost 20 years and am still as passionate as I was on day one about what we do. We have seen many changes in what we do and how we do it over that time but the one thing that never changes is our view that every child matters. This is probably the best job anyone could wish for; not only do you get to meet some inspirational teachers and the up and coming generations, we get to work with some of the amazingly generous people who host our events. Together this is a combination that makes me proud of the difference our work makes.

My partner in crime, except for Barbara, is my Labrador Barney who was born in May 2022. He has a tough act to follow taking over from my last dog Murphy who literally travelled thousands of miles and entertained thousands of children and teachers across the country. Barney has already made a good start and was out working with children as soon as he was able.

I have worked for CL since 1999 when I joined, via a friend to do general admin, as the job was flexible enough to fit in with having young school-aged children.

CL also allowed flexibility with job roles and I eventually ended up being Events Manager, after dipping into accounts, websites, toilet cleaning etc. Being interested in nature, but not having studied the subject academically, (did Computing) I gained a Forest School certificate and swapped from being behind a computer for the majority of the time, to spending more time in the field (and woods) running days for schools.

I enjoy producing hands-on resources for the children, so that they gain the most from their visit and also love the fact that the role means I am constantly learning new and amazing things.

Outside from work, I enjoy light gardening, walking with Dill, singing in several pop-style choirs and going to Glastonbury and other festivals as much as possible.

I studied Rural Estate Management at Agricultural College and was a rural practice chartered surveyor for 20 years. I was always keen on countryside education and volunteered for a charity taking inner city children on farm visits for 10 years. This gave me the bug to work with children and I trained as a primary school children and worked as a class teacher in Reading and North Yorkshire, then jumped a few year groups and taught sixth formers BTEC Countryside Management. I joined Countryside Learning in 2019 as an Education Officer, and enjoy planning bespoke days and working with Estates to plan new days.

In my spare time I chase my unruly spaniel around the North Yorkshire Countryside.

I have worked as an Education Officer since 2018.

I am passionate about the environment and bio-diversity; my favourite activities are den building and mini-beast hunting. My favourite mini-beasts are moths and the humble millipede, though I am not a fan of wasps (even though they are excellent midge eaters and pollinators)

When I’m not working for Countryside Learning, I tend my smallholding and small orchard, study for a diploma in Permaculture Design, or I can be found yomping over the moors.

As an Education Officer with Countryside Learning, I bring both a global outlook and a strong passion for the outdoors to my work of inspiring and educating young people about the significance of our countryside. With a background as a qualified primary school teacher, I've had the chance to live and work internationally, broadening my approach to education and environmental care. I'm committed to enhancing children's mental health and self-esteem, convinced that developing a close relationship with nature is essential for their overall well-being.

I lead engaging, hands-on workshops that encourage children to discover the natural world, boosting their confidence while deepening their understanding of environmental issues. These activities not only instil a love for the countryside but also highlight the mental health advantages of spending time in nature. In my free time, I am the lead singer in two bands and enjoy exploring the countryside with my family, friends, and my two dogs, Barney and Betty. My goal is to inspire young minds to value and protect our environment, ensuring it remains a treasured resource for future generations.

I have a background in primary school teaching which I enjoyed for several years.

I grew up in the Kent countryside and I have a great interest in all flora and fauna. The natural world acts as inspiration for the wood engraving artworks that I make in my spare time.

As part of a farming family, I am involved in all areas of the farm including helping to rear our saddleback pigs, taking a keen interest in the arable crops we grow each year and looking for ways we can aid conservation and enhance our local wildlife environment.

Barney was born in May 2022. He has a tough act to follow taking over from my previous dog Murphy who literally travelled thousands of miles and entertained thousands of children and teachers across the country. Barney has already made a good start and was out working with children as soon as he was able.

Dill has been a member of the CL team for as long as he can remember. He is a firm favourite with the children and also wins over nervous children or those with special emotional needs. If the children return for a visit, they probably won’t remember Barbara, but they will always remember Dill.

He is a Bearded Collie/Poodle cross and is named after “Dill the dog” in a children’s programme called “The Herbs.”

Willow - I am a 5 year old sprocker spaniel. The combination of cocker spaniel and springer spaniel makes me the perfect combination. I can sniff things out, then chase them at high speed. My keenness is often misunderstood and therefore I am not often invited to be involved at Countryside Learning. On the odd occasion where I am asked to contribute, I usually let the side down. I am at my best when asleep upside down with my paws in the air.

Gus - At the ripe old age of 14- I have been “doing countryside education” for many years. I take the all seeing / say nothing approach and add to the party in a quiet yet vital way. I consider myself semi retired but I am available in a consultancy capacity.

Barney is a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Betty is a Cava-tzu (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Shih Tzu mix). 

They are bonded rescue dogs who started their life in ways we would never wish to know about but have thrived since coming to live with us and treat every day like it’s the best day of their lives. When not asking to be cuddled, yes they are as adorable as they look, they enjoy every outing outside like it’s their first. They are a lesson to us all that we never know what’s around the corner in life and to treat every day afresh. 

Peggy - the scruffy white one, is a stubborn madam. She know what she wants - usually cuddles and treats. Her favourite activity is chasing toys, but not necessarity retrieving them. She also likes to grumble at Roy’s antics.

Roy - is a terrier cross, he is a bungle of energy and loves life. He came to live with Sara in Christmas 2024, in a very sorry state. He loves his new home. His favourite activities are digging, running and winding Peggy up by being far too energetic.