Business

Andrew Coleman

Chalk downland geomorphology

Andrew is a retired engineering geologist/ground engineer who has spent the last 30 years based in East Kent specialising in slope instabilty and hazardous ground. He has recently become interested in chalk downland geomorhpology. Andrew  continues to develop a web site which illustrates some of the landscape features peculiar to this part of the UK, with explanations of how they were formed, and which is hopefully accessible to the non-specialist.

Web Site: geomusings.org

Contact: reod.glida@outlook.com.

Ben Crozier

Mythology, history & folklore

Location: Dover, Kent.

About: Ben is a secondary school history teacher and enjoys walking and running in the Kent region of the Geopark at every opportunity. Ben has a YouTube channel which explores stories of history, folklore and mythology of Kent and is keen to share his knowledge on guided walks.

Services offered: Guided walks along the North Downs Way with a focus on history, folklore and mythology.  As a trained Geopark ambassador Ben can share the exciting geodiversity and geological story of The Warren in Folkestone.

Suitability: Adults and families with children.

Contact:
Telephone: 07913027038
Email: benjaminjohncrozier@hotmail.com
Website: crozieronstuff.com

Simon Drake

Short walks & geology

Location: Kent; Folkstone Warren, Harrietsham and Lenham.

About: Simon is a research field geologist based at Birkbeck College, University of London where he is an an Honorary Fellow. For over 15 years Simon has been involved in enthusing and teaching first year university students about geology and has led field classes in Kent, Cumbria and North West Scotland. Simon is passionate about getting non-geologists interested in geology.

Services offered: Easy-going, relaxed, short walks (2-3km) around Folkestone Warren to explain the geology and landslip of the area. Around Harrietsham and Lenham; easy-going walks of around 5km explaining the geology and landscape of the area. The onus on Simon’s events will be talking about geology and explaining rocks rather than covering long distances. The walks will assume no previous geological knowledge. As a trained Geopark ambassador Simon can share the exciting geodiversity and geological story of The Warren in Folkestone.

Suitability: Adults & families with children, adults and/or children with limited mobility.

Contact:
Telephone: 07762538457
Email: drakesimon1@gmail.com
Website: simondrakegeo.co.uk

Rainna Erbas

About:

Rainna is a community artist and project coordinator in Dover, and everything she does is about bringing people together, getting creative, and making sure we look after the world around us. She loves inspiring the next generation to connect with nature, protect it and live healthier, happier lives.

Getting involved with the Geopark Ambassador programme feels like the perfect way to connect what Rainna does with her home town, Dover, and she hopes to get exploring, creating, and raising awareness about our environment in fun and meaningful ways.

Services offered:

Community arts & nature workshops – Pottery, nature-based crafts, paper-making, sculpture.

Eco-friendly, seasonal activities – Foraging natural, recycled, and sustainable materials.

Family & child-friendly projects – Engaging young minds through art and nature play.

Raising awareness & inspiring action – Practising natural living and teaching others.

Contact:

Tel: 07541411691

Email: rainnaerbas@hotmail.co.uk

@little_artlings_dover

Steve Friedrich

Geology, palaeontology and natural history

About: With over 50 years experience studying the geology of the area, and having had several papers published as co-author over the years, Steve thought that becoming a Geopark Amabssador would be a fantastic way to pass on his experience to young and old alike.

Services offered: Field work relating to the Geology and Palaeontology of our area, as well as general natural history. Steve is also a professional workshop provider, capable of bringing his experience into classrooms, field meetings and do talks for groups/societies at all levels. Steve can run activities in the field, or at schools etc. His history workshops are tailored to fit the school curriculum in subjects including the Stone age – Iron Age; Roman Britain and World War 2, as well as a workshop about our recent discovery of dinosaur footprints in Folkestone.

Suitability: Anyone with an interest in local history or geology. Moderate fitness required for walks, any fitness for in house workshops.

Contact: Telephone: 07594210706
Email: stevef.1703@outlook.com

Website:  https://www.facebook.com/steve.friedrich.566

Victoria Field

Guided walks, literature & pilgrimage

Location: Canterbury.

About: Victoria is a writer, poetry therapist, and researcher currently undertaking a doctorate on pilgrimage and transformation at Canterbury Christ Church University

“I consider myself a pilgrim-writer and will include writing and poetry as part of my walks. I assist the Confraternity of Pilgrims to Rome and have had some involvement with the Green Pilgrimage Network. I live in Canterbury so have a special interest in walks in East Kent.” Victoria Field.

Services offered: Guided walks in the Canterbury area during which participants will share and respond to poems and other literature, and have the opportunity to process their experience in writing. The process is open and non-judgemental and no previous writing experience is necessary.

Suitability: Adults only.

Contact:
Telephone: 07887560018
Email: victoriafield376@gmail.com
Website: thepoetrypractice.co.uk

Liz Garnett

History, culture & natural history

Location: East Kent.

About: Liz is a travel photographer and writer who sees Kent as a travel destination. Liz is passionate about Kent’s rich history and believes it has a wealth to offer the visitors from its landscape to culture as well as good from excellent local producers.

“The North Downs Way is a walking artery through the Geopark which leads the walker through surprising landscapes, stunning views, history and culture. Walkers can dip down into villages or towns or take a detour into a lost landscape.” Liz Garnett.

Services offered: Introductions to the history, culture and natural history of the North Downs Way National Trail in the Cross-Channel Geopark.

Suitability: Adults only.

Contact:
Email: liz@lizgarnett.com
Website: www.lizgarnett.com

Phil Hadland

Fossil finding and ID, talks on local fossils and collections

About:

Phil is a geologist and palaeontologist working in the museum sector where he specialises in natural sciences and public engagement. He is also an author and produced the book “Fossils of Folkestone, Kent”. Two of his main passions are carrying out research in the fields of the history of geology and ichnology (the study of trace fossils).

Over the last few years he has published a number of articles with others about dinosaur footprints that he discovered at Folkestone, which are the youngest known in Britain.

Phil is passionate about sharing the stories of the amazing geology and fossils that local residents can find on their doorstep, or that visitors to these places can experience. The ambassador programme is an ideal opportunity for him to do more of this, while contributing to the development of the geopark.

Services offered:

Short courses, talks and walks focussed on fossils, museums, geology and the history of geology. They can be anything from 1 hour up to a whole day, costing £55 per hour.

 

Contact:

Telephone: 07948159127

Email: fossilphil83@gmail.com

Website: https://fossilphil83.wixsite.com/thefossilman

Myriam Hamelin

Guided walks, city tours, nature outings

Location: Côte d’Opale

About: Myriam is a certified tour guide specializing in the discovery of the Côte d’Opale. Passionate about her region, she offers thematic walks that blend history, nature, and built heritage. These explorations invite participants to discover iconic sites such as the Caps, the Denacre Valley, and the coastline, as well as more unusual locations, through captivating stories and intriguing local anecdotes.

Services offered:

• Thematic walks: Guided tours through emblematic and preserved areas of the Côte d’Opale, highlighting their history, wildlife, and flora.
• Urban guided tours: Exploration of historic towns such as Boulogne-sur-Mer, Ambleteuse, and other sites of cultural and architectural interest.
• Unusual walks: Original routes featuring local tales and lesser-known anecdotes.
• Geo-immersive approach: As a Géoambassadrice, Myriam combines landscapes, natural treasures, and cultural heritage for a unique and enriching experience.

Audience: The walks and tours are designed for a broad audience: families, adult groups, or anyone curious to explore the region from a new perspective.

Contact:

• Email: laboiteabalades@gmail.com
• Phone: +33 6 71 30 05 10

Michael Harden

Wellbeing walks

Location: All Kent Downs and Surrounding areas

About: Michael is a Director of Wild With Wheels CIC, and a Geopark Ambassador, with 25 years+ experience of working in community, mental health and disability settings.

Michael is passionate about promoting nature, and our wild open spaces as accessible places of enjoyment, connection, rest, and healing, that in both the short and longer term improve our health and wellbeing, especially our mental wellbeing.

Michael aka (Walk Wild), leads and offers a range of creative, accessible walking and nature focused activities and experiences, including 1-to-1 walk and talk, wellness related, storytelling and other themed walks, which can be tailored to the needs of individuals, families or groups.

‘As an ambassador, I want to promote what a beautiful resource we have (on both sides of the English Channel) and to share all it has to offer with you. I look forward to walking or wheeling with you soon.’

Services offered: Wellbeing walks.

Suitability: Families with children, adults only, wheelchair users, adults and/or children with limited mobility.

Contact:
Telephone: 07563877583
Email: walkwild@mail.com
Websites:
www.wildwithwheels.com
www.walkwild.net
www.communitycatalysts.co.uk/smallgoodstuff/directory/walk-wild

Gini Mitchell

Disabled guided nature walks

Location: Folkestone and Dover, East Kent.

About: Gini is a Disabled Rambler and nature lover, passionate about access to the natural world and advocate for disabled and inclusive access in the Kent Countryside and coast and the aspiring UNESCO Cross-Channel Global Geopark.

Gini has enjoyed spending time in the local Kent countryside including the Kent Downs National Landscape since early childhood, and loves studying native wildlife, identifying wild flowers and plants as well as appreciating the creatures living amongst them.

“Since I became no longer able to enjoy the countryside by walking, I became familiar with exploring on an all terrain mobility scooter. I like to meander off the beaten track and overcome obstacles along the way and, with the right equipment and experience, this opens up more opportunities for disabled ramblers to discover.
As ‘Mobility in the Wild’, I wish to share and promote this freedom to connect with nature and encourage others to do so, whatever the ability.”
Gini Mitchell.

Services offered: Gini brings a Forest School ethos to interactive walks whilst connecting therapeutically with the natural surroundings. Gini shares nature based knowledge of the landscape, nature, plant life and wild creatures along the path, as well as some geography and history stories to connect with the locations en route. As a trained Geopark ambassador Gini can share the exciting geodiversity and geological story of The Warren in Folkestone.

Gini has experience of supporting and teaching young adults with learning differences as well as interacting with elderly dementia patients. Gini set up a voluntary family community support group outdoors ‘Nature Fledglings’, during lockdowns to enable therapeutic access to nature in a safe setting.

Through Mobility in the Wild, Gini tailors the routes and activities to be suitable for a range of disabilities including impairments, neurodivergence and sensory friendly therapeutic walks. Arrangements can be made to hire suitable mobility aids and equipment to enable anyone to participate comfortably. Gini holds an enhanced CRB and has an outdoor first aid qualification.

Suitability: Families with Children, wheelchair users, adults and/or children with limited mobility, all disabilities and mental / neural impairments.

Contact:
Telephone: 07789777463
Email: mobilityinthewild@gmail.com
Facebook: /MobilityInTheWild

Helen Nattrass

Geology, geopoetry, earth processes

Location: Samphire Hoe, the White Cliffs centre, Dover Harbour,  Canterbury and Folkestone

About: A retired Civil Engineer and Geologist, Helen worked in the tunnels on the Channel Tunnel construction as a Geotechnical Engineer. Helen uses the local chalk geology and landscape to inform people about the earth, earth processes and deep time. She enjoys talking about the processes of continental drift, volcanoes, earthquakes and evolution, all of which find a narrative in the chalk. The long and varied history of our planet gives people a wider framework for understanding climate change, evolution and extinction.

Services offered: Field walks (not long distance) to show and tell about the chalk, field sketching, geopoetry workshops and events, swims in the sea. I am also interested in local beer and brewing – the water comes from the chalk!

Suitability: Lightly active, mainly for retired people, but open to other opportunities and collaborations. Some last 1 hour (a talk) half a day (geopoetry, local brewery visit) up to day (workshops)

Contact:
Telephone: 07803612556
Email: helennattrass@btinternet.com

Sarah Newman

The Darent Valley landscape and history, sustainable travel

Location: Darent Valley

About: The Kent Downs in the west of Kent make the valley in which Sarah lives a very special, beautiful and distinctive place. She has spent over twenty years exploring the Darent Valley – mostly on foot as there is such a fabulous network of footpaths – and is keen to share all that she loves about the area. With her background as a historian, writer and communicator, Sarah has always been drawn to stories, and has researched and written about the many extraordinary people who have lived here over the centuries. She also knows and loves the Pas-de-Calais area, having spent many holidays there with a French exchange near St Omer, and later with her family. To have the opportunity to understand, promote and deepen the links between the two areas is a real privilege. And there is a fascinating story about how knowledge of the chalk strata in both locations informed discovery of nothing less than the antiquity of humankind! Sarah knows the hills and river in great depth and supports a number of eco-initiatives restoring the river and the eco-systems nearby. In her work she promotes sustainable travel and  encourages visitors to come here sustainably – there are railway stations all along the valley and beautiful trails on which to explore the Kent Downs all around.

Services offered: Talks about the history of the area, which can be combined with walking tours.

Suitability: Walkers of all ages, family groups and adults in general for the workshop, anyone interested in stories, landscape Walks can be adapted for people with limited mobility. Activities in the village hall are suitable for all.

Contact:

Telephone: 07762 550772

Email: sarahnewman4@icloud.com

Gavin Oakley

Outdoor fitness and nature connection

Location:

Brockhill Country Park; Devil’s Kneading Trough; Dover Castle; Farthing Common and Postling Down;  Folkestone Downs;  Folkestone Harbour and The Warren;  Perry Wood; The White Cliffs of Dover

About:

As a Natural Lifestyle Coach and a Director of Primal Runners, Gavin’s work has always been about reconnecting people with nature through movement, adventure, and shared experiences. Over the years, he’s had the privilege of leading outdoor fitness initiatives that have not only improved physical health but also helped people develop a deeper connection to the natural world.

Through his work with Primal Runners, Gavin has guided individuals—many of whom have faced significant personal challenges—through trails, forests, and coastal paths, using the power of wild spaces to encourage resilience, well-being, and a sense of belonging. Whether it’s trail running along the White Cliffs of Dover, cold-water immersion on the Kent coast, or exploring re-wilded landscapes in the Downs, he has seen first-hand how these experiences transform people’s lives.

Working with young people, refugees, and those from marginalised backgrounds has further deepened Gavin’s understanding of how access to nature can heal, inspire, and empower. His collaboration with community projects, running clubs, and rewilding initiatives has given him a unique perspective on the importance of conservation, education, and sustainable outdoor recreation.

It’s this passion for connecting people with nature that led him to the Geopark Ambassador Programme. The programme aligns perfectly with Gavin’s mission—helping to protect and promote the stunning landscapes we run through while encouraging more people to engage with their environment in meaningful ways. Gavin is excited to use his experience to advocate for the Geopark, educate others about its significance, and continue fostering a deeper appreciation for the natural world among the communities he works with.

Primal Runners is a Community Interest Company and outdoor adventure group based in Kent that engages people in trail running, wild swimming, breathwork, and natural movement. See more on Instagram @primalrunners

Services Offered:

Natural Movement & Trail Running – Exploring landscapes through running, hiking, and movement-based activities that engage both body and mind. Gavin loves introducing people to the joy of trail running, helping them develop confidence and fitness while experiencing the beauty of natural spaces.

Cold-Water Immersion & Breathwork – Using water therapy and breathwork techniques to improve mental and physical resilience. This is a powerful tool for stress management, recovery, and overall well-being, and Gavin enjoys sharing it with others in coastal and wild swimming locations.

Nature Immersion & Rewilding – Encouraging deeper connections with nature through activities like forest bathing, mindfulness in nature, and outdoor education. Gavin is passionate about promoting rewilding projects and helping people understand the importance of conservation.

Outdoor Adventure & Survival Skills – Incorporating elements of natural living such as fire-building, outdoor cooking, and digital detox practices to help individuals break free from modern distractions and reconnect with a more primal way of living.

Community Engagement & Youth Mentorship – Gavin works closely with young people, including those from marginalised backgrounds, to provide outdoor experiences that build confidence, leadership skills, and a sense of adventure. His colleague Carl Adams brings strong local connections through his work with running clubs, and David Lee-Ervine, who grew up in care, is now mentoring young people to engage in outdoor activities.

As a Geopark Ambassador, Gavin is excited to share his love for the outdoors, promote the stunning landscapes of the Geopark, and encourage more people—especially those who may not typically engage with nature—to experience the benefits of outdoor movement, adventure, and connection.

Gavin has a programme of outdoor activities planned throughout the year, with twice-weekly group sessions in the Geopark. These will focus on exploring, moving, and connecting with nature, offering a mix of activities for all levels of experience.

Regular Sessions

Guided Trail Runs & Hikes – Exploring stunning landscapes like Blean Woods, Elham Valley, Kings Wood, the White Cliffs and the Stour Valley, as well as coastal routes. These will range from gentle, scenic hikes to more challenging trail runs.

Wild Swims & Cold-Water Immersion – Swimming in natural rivers, lakes, and the sea off the Kent coast, incorporating breathwork and recovery techniques to boost resilience and well-being.

Bike Rides & Outdoor Adventures – Exploring woodland trails and coastal paths by bike, offering a mix of endurance rides and more relaxed social cycles.

Nature Immersion & Rewilding – Activities such as forest bathing, breathwork, and mindfulness in nature to help people reconnect with their surroundings and experience the calming effects of the outdoors.

Community-Based Challenges & Events – Organising team-based outdoor experiences, including endurance challenges, navigation exercises, and digital detox days to encourage full engagement with the natural world.

In addition to sessions in Kent, Gavin is planning to expand activities across the Channel into France, exploring new trails, coastal areas, and natural spaces to offer cross-border adventures that connect people with the wider Geopark landscape.

These sessions will be open to all, from beginners looking to take their first steps into outdoor movement to seasoned adventurers seeking new challenges. His aim is to create a welcoming, supportive community where people can build confidence, fitness, and a deeper appreciation for the natural world.

Contact:

Gavin Oakley – Primal Runners

Tel: 07841406070

Email: gavin@primalroots.org.uk

www.primalrunners.com

@primalrunners

Scott Ryan

Guided walks and outdoor cooking workshops

Location: Folkestone and Wye, East Kent.

About: Scott’s skills and interests are outdoor cooking and the uses of trees and hedgerow plants for these purposes. Kent-native and school-teacher, Scott has good historical knowledge of the Kent Downs, particularly the Pilgrims Way and Canterbury Tales.

“After 20 years of classroom teaching, I decided to step outside and establish Wild Classroom, an outdoor education business focused on cooking local, seasonal produce over fire. A lot of my workshops are based in the Cross-Channel Geopark and with my own personal love of this unique and diverse landscape, becoming an ambassador alongside other like-minded people seemed an opportunity not to miss.” Scott Ryan

Services offered: Guided walks, outdoor cooking workshops.

Suitability: Adults, families with children, wheelchair users, adults and/or children with limited mobility.

Contact:
Telephone: 07939669365
Email: scott@wildclassroom.co.uk
Website: wildclassroom.co.uk

Lucia Stuart

Workshops on edible wild plants and outdoor events

About:
Lucia Stuart is a plant enthusiast, forager, and chef based on the Kent coast. She is the author of a children’s cookbook titled Eating Flowers and ran a rural café in France for ten years, promoting this approach to cooking. Her business, The Wild Kitchen, located in Deal, Kent, advocates a passionate food philosophy: eating locally, from the land, landscapes, and forgotten foods such as acorns, samphire, seaweed, and coastal vegetables for optimal health and overall well-being.

Services offered:
Lucia Stuart organizes foraging walks to identify and teach how to use and cook seasonal wild foods, particularly coastal products like seaweed. Nature walks are combined with cooking demonstrations, wild food recipes, or gourmet meals based on the harvest.

Suitability:
Forage and Feast days are suitable for all ages and nationalities.

Contact:
Website: www.thewildkitchen.net
Email: lucia@thewildkitchen.net
Phone: 07810317866

Emilie Questroy

Tour guide and lecturer in Calais and surrounding areas, group tour support

Location: Calais and surrounding areas

About: Emilie has been a lecturer since 2015 and a self-employed professional since 2022. Curious and passionate, she is interested in a wide range of topics related to her community and region. Sharing knowledge and expertise is a core value for her.

Services offered:
Based primarily in Calais, Emilie works with the Cité de la Dentelle et de la Mode as a guide and lecturer. During the tourist season, she also leads group tours. Additionally, she organizes nature visits in collaboration with the Côte d’Opale Nature Guides Association. Working with diverse audiences is both enriching and rewarding for her.

Suitable for: All audiences

Contact:
Phone: 0663384505
Email: emilie.ternon@gmail.com