Our Team
Eve Reid - Director and Forest School Leader
Eve grew up in the outdoors, camping, climbing and kayaking from an early age and took this as a great basis for travelling around Europe for several years. Initially qualifying as an early years practitioner, Eve is also a qualified Forest School Leader; a Holistic Massage Therapist and carries group leadership and outdoor activity management, climbing, canoeing and walking qualifications.
Eve has 20 years of experience supporting people of all ages, abilities and demographics to access the wilderness and other services in order to support their holistic development using Choice Theory and Reality Therapy methodologies and has training in mental health first aid.
Cathy Samou - Forest School Leader
Cathy grew up in Greece wild camping by the sea and forest, actively experiencing the outdoors throughout her childhood. She is completing her MA degree in Outdoor Environmental and Sustainability Education at the University of Edinburgh, she's a qualified languages teacher and has many years experience working with mainstream and additional support needs children in schools, summer camps, children's services and forests. Cathy is also an amazing artist and owner of WeeTchy Crafts. She works with natural materials on miniatures and teaches children’s natural art workshops..
George Reid - Outdoor Education Leader
George has been working in the outdoors as an instructor and development tutor for the last 25 years, but playing in the outdoors for a lifetime. His love for the outdoors fuels his passion for allowing people to experience and learn about themselves, other people and the environment whilst enjoying the freedom of the outdoors.
George also holds mountaineering and climbing qualifications, owns and runs Dun Eideann Sea Kayaking and works part time at Whitmuir.
Donna Strachan - Director and Forest School Leader
Donna is a qualified youth worker and Forest School Leader. She has over 20 years experience working with young people and adults in a variety of settings with experience working in the field of mental health, learning difficulties, disability, suicide and self harm, homelessness, drug and alcohol addiction, creative arts and general youth work. Donna grew up in Australia, camping, exploring and playing in nature. She has now settled in Scotland and coordinates the youth project, Art Club. in Dalkieth. She is passionate about increasing access to outdoor education and creativity for all. Donna is also a keen forager and runs the Facebook page Foraging in Scotland.
Suzie Robinson- Forest Play Facilitator
Suzie has been a registered social worker since 2006. Her experience with community engagement, risk assessment and planning; along with her knowledge of child development, parenting skills and counselling techniques give her a great foundation as a Forest Play facilitator.
Suzie is also a First Aid Trainer with First Aid Training Cooperative and has been a member of Grampian Speleological Group (caving club) forever.