I have seen the positive impact that outdoor experiences can have on self-esteem, confidence, mental health and development. I am passionate about getting people outdoors and sharing my knowledge and experience.
I’m a qualified teacher, geologist and outdoor leader with a passion for wild places. I’ve loved being in the outdoors since going to Dartmoor with school, and through my own life I have seen the positive impact that outdoor experiences can have on self-esteem, confidence, mental health and development. I am passionate about getting people outdoors and sharing my knowledge and experience. I founded Taleblazers with my childhood friend Kev in 2021 and the success we have had demonstrates how much people need to shake off urban life and head for the wilds. It’s a huge privilege to lead such a passionate and dedicated team.
What do you enjoy teaching the most?
I’m very fortunate to be part of an organisation that teaches many of my great loves. I particularly enjoy teaching young people the technical skills and building the resilience needed to thrive in all conditions outdoors, and to become fully immersed in wild experiences. I also love rocks.
What can our young people expect on a typical day out with you?
We’ll be out and about whatever the weather; maybe doing some knife work, building shelters, cooking outdoors, hiking on remote fog-shrouded hillsides. You might get cold and wet but you’ll love it.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
My family share the love for the same things I do, so we just carry on walking and camping! I’m also a Francophile, a keen road cyclist, a Torquay United season ticket holder and I brew my own beer.
What is your favourite outdoor space?
Last light on the Annapurnas, sunrise over Machu Picchu… I’ve been very lucky. Locally I love Hamburg Woods, Man Sands and of course the wide open spaces of Dartmoor.
Likes
Cooking, reading, playing Civilisation, finding time for all the above!
Dislikes
Having nothing to do, although to be fair that is a state of existence I probably secretly aspire to.
What’s your motto?
It’s not worth doing something unless someone, somewhere, would much rather you weren’t doing it. (Terry Pratchett)
It’s Taleblazers Karaoke Night. What are you singing?
If they had it, it would be ‘Photosynthesis’ by Frank Turner. The video is awesome too.