My name is Lisa. I'm a level 3 practitioner with 22 years of experience in early years education. Over my career, I've seen many changes, and one of the best is the opportunity for children to play and develop outdoors.

Working in various settings across Bristol, I've found that outdoor play is invaluable. Children who play outside regularly are resilient, engaged, and form meaningful relationships. I love seeing them covered in mud, mixing potions, and discovering worms with big smiles on their faces. As the saying goes, "The mud will wash off, but the memories will last a lifetime."

I'm passionate about helping children and their families reach their full potential. My past roles as a family support worker and managing a team at a children's centre have given me a unique perspective on supporting whole families, which I now bring to Out There.

Outside of work, I'm a busy mum to twin boys. We love spending time outdoors, and I share my love of nature with them and the children I work with. My hobbies include walking, exploring new places, reading, baking, and gardening.

“Ever since I was a child, I have always loved playing and exploring outside. I feel passionate about sharing that love with my two wonderful children. Whether that’s putting on our wellies and going for a wild, wet walk or making magical mud potions in the garden (the messier, the better!) I always find our most imaginative and engaging play is when we’re all outside. I feel that now more than ever, supporting children to be part of their natural environment is paramount. When I’m not out exploring with my family, my other passions are music, especially singing. I’ve always found music such an incredible way to learn, share, explore and express. My other interests are making, baking, crafting, and painting. I’m so excited to start at Out There, share my interests and experiences, and learn and grow from all the amazing children and staff there too!”

I have been passionate about nature and being outdoors from an early age, exploring the rock pools in Pembrokeshire, where I grew up, and enjoying many camping trips with my family in all weather.

While volunteering for the Wildlife Trust, I became aware of Forest School and immediately knew I had to begin training. As a Level 3 Forest School leader, I have gained so much experience facilitating time in nature with children, and I love the freedom and wonder that learning outdoors can bring. I have a Textile Design degree, so I am always looking to combine my creativity with Forest School to provide fun learning opportunities. I'm excited to continue this with Out There.

My name is Hannah. I grew up in Dorset with a nature-loving family. I moved to Brighton to study at university and have now lived in Bristol for about eight years. I am an early years teacher and have worked in early years education since 2014, primarily in schools and nurseries in central Bristol. In my experience, I have seen the amazing value of outdoor learning and how it positively affects children, empowering them to explore, build self-confidence, and feel safe and regulated. I believe strongly in a child-centred, play-based approach that focuses on their emotional needs, interests, and learning styles.

I recently gained a qualification in horticulture and am passionate about all things green! I am particularly interested in native flowers and plants, especially those with useful properties and folklore. I love to forage, using wild materials not only for eating but also for making things. I feel most myself and happiest when outdoors.

Nature has always held an important place in my life, from family camping trips at a young age to still escaping the city as often as I can for van trips and wild swims; as I’ve grown older, my love and connection to the natural world has only deepened.

I studied Anthropology and Visual Practice at university and focused my dissertation film on the human-nature connection in urban spaces. Ever since I’ve known this, I've wanted my career to be centred around outdoor well-being.

I have loved being a nanny for various families throughout the years. Working with children brings so much fun and laughter to a working day and can be so rewarding. When I started working at Out There, I knew this was the perfect environment to work somewhere that aligned so well with my interests and values. I’m excited to begin my Level 3 qualification and continue my early years and forest school journey.

My name is Alicia. I grew up in Madrid and left Spain after finishing my degree as a Primary Teacher. I have been doing many different things in my professional life. The last few years have been dedicated to education and social work. I could say that working with people is my field. I worked out there a few years ago as a bank staff, and this is where my interest in more alternatives and holistic educational methods grew. Working in nature is a privilege; I believe it is the best place to grow. I love cooking, travelling and going for long walks in my free time. I am so grateful to be part of this fantastic team! 

I love working with children and I cherish their creativity and uniqueness. The forest is a playground of endless potential and I couldn’t think of a better place to facilitate growth and curiosity.

By witnessing nature’s many beautiful forms, from the changing seasons to the rich interactions of the mycelial network beneath our feet, this allows us to connect to our environment and feel a part of something so much greater. During my psychology degree, I took this concept into my research practice and facilitated various eco-psychology interventions, from guided forest walks to breath-based meditation practices during cold-water immersion. Through these practices, I explored how nature is a mirror to the human condition, and immersing oneself in her boundless offerings is an enriching and affirming experience.

Before joining the Out There team, I was a researcher at the University of Bristol and specialised in Developmental Psychology. I worked with children between the ages of 3-7 and explored their understanding of various emotional and behavioural phenomena. I also have several years of nannying experience and have been involved with drama-therapy interventions for children on the autistic spectrum. Collectively, my experiences have cemented my passion for working in early years settings and I look forward to taking this further into the great outdoors!