Meet the team
It's our team who make it such a memorable and truly unique Rootd experience
When children return from one of our Rootd outdoor adventure trips, we’re often told that it’s their trip leaders they talk about the most.
That’s because, for our team, leading outdoor adventures isn’t just a job, it’s a passion. And this passion is infectious. Our leaders get stuck into every activity, and children quickly pick up on their excitement for outdoor adventure – feeling even more inspired to get involved themselves.
Joe
Joe is our co-founder and has spent almost ten years working within the outdoor industry, witnessing first-hand the barriers that prevent many children from experiencing an outdoor adventure and has set out to change this. Rootd was built on the foundation that every child deserves to experience an immersive and inspiring residential adventure. He is constantly working towards breaking these barriers, developing innovative, nature-focused, accessible opportunities for every child.
QUALIFICATIONS
* Help to Grow: Management Course
* Demographics and Population Studies BSc
* Safeguarding Level 3
Jamie
Jamie is our co-founder and man of many hats! Working with clients to create bespoke outdoor adventures, managing finances, coordinating with sites and schools, alongside Bruno the office dog, he ensures every part of your experience is seamless. On site, Jamie brings his enthusiasm and natural ability to lead to every session, sharing his passion for adventure and the outdoors. His commitment to provide children with life changing and inspiring experiences is evident through everything he does here at Rootd.
QUALIFICATIONS
* Geography BSc
* Cricket Coaching Level 2
* Emergency First Aid Level 2
Shane
Shane is one of the youngest people to ever pass the John Ryder NCFE Level 4, the most prestigious qualification in outdoor survival and bushcraft. This year long course is usually completed by individuals many years his senior. Shane has been to the Arctic and helped lead humanitarian expeditions to Borneo which included remote desert island survival. The knowledge and expertise he brings to every Survivor Bushcraft session is exceptional.
QUALIFICATIONS
* Applied Bushcraft Level 4
* Outdoor First Aid Level 3
* LANTRA Basic Tree Survey & Inspection
Sophie
Sophie is our resident nature expert with a master’s degree in global biodiversity conservation and her level 3 ethnobotany qualification. She has been fortunate enough to study flora and fauna across the globe, however, her true passion lies here in the British woodlands, connecting the next generation to nature through plant & animal identification, and lost indigenous skills. Whether you are interested in learning how to track and identify native mammals, make teas and tinctures from foraged plants, or weave creations with your bare hands, Sophie is here to guide you.
QUALIFICATIONS
* Global Biodiversity Conservation MSc
* Ethnobotany Level 3
The opportunity for our children to have experiences they wouldn't normally have. Every member of the team have been amazing and gone above and beyond for both our children and staff. Our Headteacher commented that Rootd were the best instructors she had ever had on a residential trip.
Primary School Trip
Liam
Liam is always busy behind the scenes ensuring our sites and facilities are the best they can be. With a degree in outdoor adventurous activities, Liam is also a vital part of our delivery team, and can often be found in the archery range teaching the next generation how to embrace their inner Robin Hood! His love for the outdoors extends beyond the workplace and at the weekend Liam can be found whizzing across a lake on water skis.
QUALIFICATIONS
* Outdoor Adventure Facilitation BA
* Waterskiing/Wakeboarding Coaching Level 2
* Archery GB Certified
Halimah
Halimah’s passion for the outdoors is evident through her outdoor pursuits. From hiking across Europe to paddling the beautiful lakes of Britain, Halimah is never far from adventure. In 2025 these adventures will culminate in an exciting scouting expedition to Madagascar to partake in conservation and community-based projects. Her natural ability to lead and inspire others is unmistakeable and she continues to facilitate unforgettable adventures here at Rootd.
QUALIFICATIONS
* Food Hygiene & Safety Level 2
* Emergency First Aid Level 2
* Archery GB Certified
James
James has been involved in outdoor education and adventurous activities for many years. After completing his level 2 Outdoor: activity Leadership course he has worked all across the UK, as well as leading adventures in Hong Kong and Thailand. From expeditions in the mountains to padding in the oceans, he has experienced outdoor learning and adventure in a great number of settings. He now shares all this experience and passion with our staff and all of our participants here at Rootd.
QUALIFICATIONS
* Outdoor: Activity Leadership Level 2
* DofE Accredited Expedition Assessor
* ERCA High Ropes Course Instructor
Joe C
Joe’s positive and energetic spirit is infectious, constantly bringing laughter and fun to everything we do here at Rootd. Over three years as a prep school PE teacher, Joe honed his skills in nurturing young minds and fostering a love for the outdoors and an active lifestyle. With a degree in Sports fitness and coaching, he is an expert in inspiring and encouraging others, both in the office and the woods.
Sports Fitness Coaching BSc
Gold Duke of Edinburgh
School Residentials
Year 3&4
Year 5&6
Year 7
Bushcraft Trips
Year 4–8
Memories that will last a lifetime
Frequent questions about our trip leaders
All Rootd outdoor instructors are DBS checked, first aid trained and have specialised experience in outdoor education as well as all the necessary qualifications for the activities undertaken (archery, bushcraft, etc.).
Most importantly, our team are knowledgeable, remarkable and welcoming.