Meet our Forest School and Outdoor Wellbeing Practitioner | Programme & Project Development Lead

Sophie is the founder of Nature Base and an Outdoor Wellbeing Practitioner whose work is rooted in the belief that spending time outdoors has the power to support children's development, strengthen family relationships and improve health and wellbeing.

With a BA (Hons) in Childhood Studies and over 16 years' experience working alongside children and families across Jersey's education and charitable sectors, Sophie brings together child development, mental health, nature-based learning and community engagement to create experiences that are both meaningful and enjoyable.

Whether leading a therapeutic Forest School session, popping up on a community green space, supporting a school to develop outdoor learning or working alongside organisations to create new opportunities for children and families, Sophie's aim is always the same—to help people reconnect with nature, each other and themselves. She believes that wherever children have the opportunity to play, explore, create and take managed risks outdoors, they are developing far more than physical skills. They are building confidence, resilience, communication, creativity, emotional wellbeing and a lifelong connection with the natural world.

Alongside delivering therapeutic Forest and Beach School programmes, outdoor wellbeing sessions and community events, Sophie works with schools, charities, community organisations and local government to develop projects that support children's wellbeing and strengthen communities. Her work includes programme design, stakeholder engagement, partnership working, community engagement, grant funding and supporting projects from development through to implementation.

Making nature accessible to everyone is central to Sophie's work. She has successfully secured grant funding to enable families to access high-quality nature-based play and wellbeing programmes regardless of their circumstances and is passionate about reducing barriers so that every child has the opportunity to experience the benefits of time spent outdoors.

Sophie is an experienced Forest and Beach School Leader, Certified Outdoor Mental Health Practitioner and Eco Therapist. Her specialist training includes therapeutic outdoor practice, supporting children with additional needs, Forest Minds, Nature Circles, adult mental health and wellbeing, reflective community storytelling, sand play and Woodcraft for Well-being.

Her practice is research-informed, evidence-informed and grounded in reflective practice. By combining professional knowledge with children’s and families voices, community experience and collaborative working, Sophie develops programmes, projects and nature-based spaces that enable children, families and communities to play, learn, connect and flourish together.

Whether working with a family attending their very first Nature Base session or supporting a larger community project, Sophie believes that every child deserves the opportunity to grow up with nature as part of everyday life.

Meet the Family

Nature Base is a small, family-rooted practice with a strong commitment to supporting families and communities through nature-based outdoor experiences.

  • Ian, Sophie’s husband normally helps during the weekend and Bank holidays. Ian has experience in various areas as alongside his primary job he’s also worked as a Sessional Youth Worker for over 10 years with the Inclusion Project; working with children and young people with additional needs.

  • Faith and Finn, Sophie’s children will often be around at our Family Woodland Sessions; helping out or playing in the mud! Faith is normally seen in her Hi Vis jacket helping at the ‘Pop up’ sessions and particularly likes to help with Story or Song time

  • Sophie’s eldest Claudia can be spotted helping during some of the holiday sessions or at the end of a session relaxing in a Hammock. Claudia has loads of varied experience; from leading youth work on a French campsite to using some of her creativity skills from her degree in Acting.

Meet some of our Volunteer Team