About us
It all begins with an idea.
When we first met, we were uncertain how to transform our passions into a sustainable career. As we progressed through roles in both the outdoor industry and the education sector, we found it increasingly clear that no existing workplace truly aligned with our core beliefs and values. Now, seven years later, we have reached our lightbulb moment. If we are unable to find a professional environment that suits us while working for others, then we will establish one for ourselves.
Danny Smith
Danny grew up in New Zealand where he spent most of his childhood outdoors in the bush, exploring, building dens, hunting and fishing with his brothers.
He moved to the UK in 2002 to began his career in the British military, serving for ten years, followed by six years working in Close Protection. During this time, he qualified as a Jungle Warfare Instructor and completed several operational tours.
After leaving the Army, Danny explored a range of career paths, but none felt like the right fit. Outside of work, he continued to pursue his passion for the outdoors through hiking, camping, and developing his personal bushcraft skills.
Danny later became an outdoor activity instructor at PGL in order to be closer to his daughter. It was here that he realised he could turn his long-standing passion for the outdoors into a meaningful and rewarding career.
From this point, Danny went on to establish outdoor learning within an alternative provision school and began developing and delivering his own bushcraft sessions for families and individuals.
Committed to maintaining the highest standards in his practice, Danny completed his Bushcraft Competency Certificate (IOL), followed by the Bushcraft Competency Diploma (IOL).
Danny now runs bushcraft sessions for young people and delivers Forest School programmes in educational settings.
He has also recently qualified as a First Aid Instructor and is keen to specialise in the delivery of outdoor first aid.
Claire Smith
Claire first started her career working at an outdoor activity centre, where she discovered her love for the outdoors and saw first-hand the importance of children and young people having access to outdoor spaces where they can learn and enjoy nature.
She later worked in an alternative provision setting, where she discovered a love of teaching. This led her to complete her Postgraduate Certificate in Education and become a full-time primary school teacher. While she loved the role, Claire always felt drawn to teaching outdoors and helping children to build a deeper connection with nature.
To pursue this, Claire stepped away from the mainstream classroom and completed her Forest School Leader training. Claire is a strong advocate for active, engaging, and hands-on learning. Drawing on her experience in primary education, she has developed schemes of learning that prioritise outdoor learning and support children to thrive through practical, child-led experiences.
Alongside her work in education, Claire has a long-standing background in hockey, having played and occasionally coached from a young age. She achieved an international cap representing Ireland and won several national caps during her playing career back in Northern Ireland. These experiences reinforced her belief in teamwork, problem-solving, and perseverance — values she continues to promote through her work with children and young people.
Claire has also recently trained as a First Aid Instructor and is keen to combine her outdoor experience with her first aid instruction.