Gareth and Ro are founders of Woodmatters, based in the South Lakes in Cumbria. Through their woodland based work their mission is to inspire a stronger bond between individuals and the natural world.
Much of their work is environmental education and Ro and Gareth share a background in conservation, bushcraft and greenwood working.
They bring these skills together to run immersive experiences. From single day courses and school group visits to overnight camps or longer term projects. 
During the winter Gareth also works as a coppice worker and they jointly run Woodshare - a community firewood scheme that enables members to work in the woodland in return for lower cost firewood and the satisfaction of connecting to one of our basic needs whilst supporting nature conservation. 
They have a long connection with the National Trust’s St Catherines Estate near Windermere. Gareth worked there as their Community Education Officer and was heavily involved in the innovative strawbale Footprint building. They continue to work in close partnership with the National Trust.
They engage with people of all ages from throughout the region, aiming to evoke emotional connections and heighten awareness of our own inter-relationship with the natural world. 

Working alongside local communities to recognise and celebrate the emotional, physical and environmental benefits from healthy, sustainable woodlands

National Trust Footprint

We run a range of courses in partnership with the National Trust from the inspiring Footprint and its beautiful woodland camp nestled in the peaceful surroundings of the St Catherine's Wood just outside Windermere in the Lake District.

The Footprint was the first building in Cumbria to be constructed with straw bale walls. It has used car tyre foundations; local timber frames, floors and walkways; an oak shake roof; clay and lime plasters; highly efficient glazing and sheep’s wool insulation.

The woodland camp sits in beautiful mature woodland with rustic stump seats and canopies in case of rain.

National Trust Footprint, Patterdale Rd, Windermere LA23 1NH

By Train: Get the train to Windermere Station and then take a lovely 25 minute walk up through the woods to get to the Footprint. Ask us for details when you book.

By Car: Parking onsite for a small number of cars for course attendees