Hidden Valley Grayshott

Kat brings over 15 years of experience in drama and musical theatre, having taught children of all ages in both educational and recreational settings. Her background in performance means she has a natural gift for capturing children's attention and bringing learning to life through storytelling, role play, and imaginative play.

With a strong track record of working in outdoor settings, she blends creativity with nature-based learning in a way that sparks curiosity and wonder. She has a unique ability to connect with children on their level, building trust and confidence through joyful, engaging sessions.

Whether she’s leading a woodland drama game or guiding a quiet moment of reflection under the trees, Kat brings energy, empathy, and enthusiasm to everything she does. She is passionate about emotional well-being, creativity, and helping every child feel seen, valued, and inspired.

Matt’s love for the outdoors runs deep. With a background in yachting, remote first aid, and outdoor leadership, he brings a wealth of hands-on experience to Hidden Valley’s forest setting. His skills in ropework, tool use, and natural shelter-building make him a favourite among children eager for adventure and real-life bushcraft skills.

Matt has played a key role in designing and building the Hidden Valley site, carefully balancing safety and exploration to create a space where children can push boundaries in a supported way. He also leads risk assessments and safety protocols — ensuring all adventures are both exciting and secure.

Beyond the practical, Matt’s calm, approachable nature makes him a trusted guide for children learning to take risks, explore independently, and develop resilience in the natural world. His passion for wild camping, climbing, and forest living brings authentic outdoor experiences to life every day.

Kaila has ten years of experience working with children across a variety of settings, as a nanny and at children’s parties. She is passionate about supporting children as they grow, helping them to believe in themselves and to reach their full potential. It brings her joy to empower them to ask questions, make decisions and to take on a leading role in their learning journey.

One of the things she loves most about working in a forest school is seeing how the natural World sparks children’s curiosity, imagination and resilience. Whether it’s making mud pies, building dens, or spotting bugs, the outdoors offers endless opportunities for play, learning and adventure. She feels incredibly lucky to be able to share her love for nature with the children and help them build a strong connection to the World around them.

Kaila feels she has truly found her dream role – one where she can inspire children while also experiencing the calm, tranquillity and sense of safety that the forest brings. It’s a place where everyone can slow down and savour each magical moment. In the forest, there’s no rush; each day unfolds at its own pace, offering something new and exciting. This environment allows Kaila to shine, planning in the moment and making the most of every opportunity that arises from the discoveries and curiosity of her little explorers.