Meet the team... Joan
As we begin 2025 and look forward to another year of fantastic experiences here in Finnebrogue Woods, we chat to Joan Noade, Business Development Manager about life in the Woods and planning the courses for the year ahead.
1.Tell us about your role at Finnebrogue Woods.
I am the Business Development & Delivery Manager for Woodland Activities. This means I manage, develop and review all the experiences and events held at our Bushcraft and Wild Tipi Venue. I also get to be hands on and deliver Forest Schools programmes both within Finnebrogue Woods and out in schools (to all age groups) and I support Rob & George on our Bushcraft Experiences.
2. Talk us through a typical day in the Woods.
On a Monday and Tuesday I am usually office based, which involves answering enquiries, developing our Bushcraft & Forest Schools offerings and planning for upcoming private and corporate events. Wednesdays I am often involved in visits to schools, for delivery of Forest Schools programmes. Thursday the Bushcraft team have resource foraging, planning and training here in the Woods. Friday I can be doing any of the above and Saturday/Sunday's I can usually be found exploring in the Woods! On a typical day in the Woods I go into the Bush Camp, light the fire, get the kettle on, lay out my resources for that day, meet and greet those attending the experience, deliver the session, tidy camp and leave ready for the next session then debrief if working with another bushcraft leader around the campfire. I Then try to make myself go home (sometimes I like to camp out)!
3. Do you have a favourite activity or course to teach?
I am passionate about the importance of getting people of all ages and abilities outside as part of a balanced day. If I have to pick one activity (I love them all) I would choose getting out for walks in nature either on your feet, with sticks, in a buggy or wheelchair. It has huge benefits for the whole body and mind. While walking I get to share a lot of my knowledge and experience with the children or whoever I am delivering with.
4. If you could be any woodland creature what would you be any why?
It would have to be a Fox. I have always had a connection with foxes right throughout my life and have been known to save the odd cub or two!
5. Do you have a favourite spot in the Woods?
Yes my absolute favourite spot is up above the Bushcraft Camp among the Rhododendrons and Laurels. I hammock there as much as I can and the Woodpecker really likes the old tree up there and wakens me in the morning with the drumming.
6. Describe the Bush Camp in 3 words.
Wow, Natural and Campfire.
7. Highlight of your time working in the Woods so far?
I loved working on the Summer and Halloween Camps in 2024 even though as a leader they are intensive and there is a lot of preparation, they were really great weeks! We were all learning together, we as leaders got to share our knowledge of bushcraft skills and we all learned to work together to survive! It was just great fun with really valuable learning happening along the way!
Our Bushcraft and Wild Cooking diary is now live for 2025. We are delighted to have a number of new children’s and young people’s offerings including a new After Schools Forest School, the return of our Pre Pre Forest School sessions and Woodland Sensory for babies.
For more info visit Kids Bushcraft