MEET US
Ways of the Wild was born from a shared dream to reconnect people with the magic of the wilder world and to provide opportunities for children to learn in an outdoor setting. It was founded by Esme and Janina, and nurtured by three friends — Esme, Janina, and Katie — with a mutual love of storytelling, play, and wild spaces. The project continues to grow under the care of Janina and Katie, who co-run the business with warmth, creativity, and a rooted respect for the land and the communities they engage with.
JANINA
Meet Janina (also known as Jay), known for her love of the outdoors since childhood. With a Bachelor's in Early Childhood Studies, she holds Level 3 certifications in Forest School, Bushcraft, and Safeguarding. DBS checked and equipped with pediatric first aid, Jay channels over six years of experience into outdoor learning programs. Her passion for nature and conservation shines through, creating an immersive experience for young minds in our holiday camps and forest school sessions. Explore the world of outdoor learning with Jay, where every adventure is a lesson in passion and connection with the great outdoors.
KATIE
Meet Katie - forager, creative and Total Nature Nerd. Katie moved to the city with years of experience working for a reforestation project, a Bachelor's in Fine Art and a passion for facilitating nature reconnection. She holds a Level 3 qualification in Forest School, Foraging, and Safeguarding, is DBS checked, and a qualified Paediatric and Outdoor First Aider. She's a big advocate of risky play and loves learning about wildlife, engaging in crafts and folk traditions, climbing trees and dancing with the wind.
ESME
With gratitude to Esme, our co-founder and pixie of the woods, whose vision and magic helped sow the first seeds of Ways of the Wild x
(She's not dead, just resigned)​
We have so many talented people that assist us at our various events - from volunteers and guest facilitators to trainee Forest School Leaders and Assistants. You will meet them on the day, of course, or may already be familiar with them. We're slowly building up a wonderful team of people with a variety of skills and experiences - and hopefully we'll include them all on this page very soon! Before any event, you will always receive details about who will be present, and rest assured that all team members are DBS checked.
JOIN US
We're looking for part-time and bank staff, volunteers and parent helpers to join our team! We're growing and need more fabulous people to help us deliver our events and clubs.
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If you're interested in joining us, send us an email at hello@waysofthewilduk.com or give us a call:
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Janina: +447480991090
Katie: +447539726832