Hello Folks

So I’m Jo (or Jo B to avoid confusion!) and I’m a new part-time case worker at Running Deer. I have recently qualified as a secondary school science teacher and, although I love a science lab and Bunsen burners, I’m very much at home up in Butterdon Woods – having been involved in outdoor education for many years here in the UK, Europe and Southern Africa.

It’s always funny when you start a new job (especially a day before a national lockdown) – getting familiar with faces, names and where the compost toilets are! But I already feel part of the team as I heat up my soup on the fire, support a screen- printing session and are taken around the site by the young people here – so that they can show me the pond, the trees they have planted, their dens and most importantly their favourite places.

As we move slowly into Spring I’m excited to hang up my thermals, find out where the best bluebells can be found and see the two new foals grow and develop. It’s going to be great to use the beautiful environment and natural resources, just on our doorstep at Running Deer, to enrich the science curriculum and see if we can set up a few experiments!

I think the reason that I have settled into my new role so easily is because of the kindness and generosity of all the staff at Running Deer and the openness of the students. I feel really lucky to be part of this extraordinary group of folks.



So a massive THANK YOU to everyone for making me feel so welcome and watch this space for updates on my new journey up at Butterdon woods.