Nicola Gliddon

Nicola is a passionate teacher and Forest School Leader with many years of experience supporting children in thriving within natural environments. Alongside her extensive work in education, Nicola has led inspirational nature connection programmes for children, young people, and adults, helping individuals of all ages to build meaningful relationships with nature. She brings profound knowledge of nature, wildlife, biodiversity, regenerative farming, and rewilding practices to her role. Nicola’s approach is rooted in curiosity, respect for nature, and empowering children to become confident, capable learners through self-led play and exploration outdoors.
"When children are given space to explore the natural world, they uncover not just nature, but their own strengths too. Every puddle jumped and leaf collected is a step toward confidence, creativity and deep connection with the world around us."

A woman with curly blonde hair standing outdoors with a blue sky and landscape in the background, holding a plant with yellow flowers.

Poppy Whitaker

Key Person, Forest School Leader and Deputy Manager

Level 6 Early Years Teacher Trainee

Level 3 Forest School Leader

Deputy Safeguarding Lead

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!

A woman with brown hair smiling and laughing outdoors with trees and a tent in the background.

Beth Rudkin

Key Person and Forest School Assistant

Early Years Teacher with QTS

I qualified as a primary school teacher in 2021 and have since developed a passion for Early Years education. I have taught in various primary schools in Bristol and in the preschool room of a nursery in Keynsham. Most recently, I served as the Reception teacher at a school in North Bristol. Throughout these years, I have felt drawn to Forest School and outdoor learning, witnessing the benefits it provides to both learners and me as a teacher. I hold a degree in drama and physical theatre; the skills I acquired during that time have seamlessly intertwined with my work with young children, specifically, an ability to play, create, empathise, and improvise! I find immense joy and meaning in observing children play, and I am grateful to facilitate their development. As a reflective practitioner, I continually strive to learn from my experiences with children and the adults around me, seeking opportunities for personal growth. My love for the outdoors has been a constant thread in my life, beginning with childhood camping trips to the Brecon Beacons and continuing through my years of cycle touring, during which I cycled across the US and down to Mexico. Now, as the mother of a two-year-old ‘stick collector,’ I embrace muddy boots and windswept hair; a sign of a good time exploring!

Louise Newman

Key Person and Forest School Assistant

BA in Early Childhood Education

My name is Louise, and I am a nature enthusiast, passionate about all things early years and have enjoyed over 6 years of experience working with children in roles such as early years educator, SEND practitioner, nanny and most recently as an outdoor educator at one of Bristol's lovely city farms.
Having studied an Early Childhood BA I can appreciate the incredible journey children go through from birth, preschool and beyond which enables their holistic growth and character development. Through my reflective practice I aim to create nurturing spaces that encourage children's social & emotional growth, natural curiosity and a space for their individual interests to flourish.
In today's fast-paced modern world, I feel that a nature-based forest school approach offers children an unhurried and deeply meaningful way of learning. From climbing trees, to exploring the woods as if it were a rainforest, to splashing in natural streams and embracing the changing seasons, each day in the woods offers experiences of awe and wonder as well as memories that last far beyond childhood.

Key Person and Forest School Leader

Qualified Primary and Early Years Teacher

Martin Preston

Bio Coming Soon