Ned Feesey, Nature Trust Ranger and Farmer.  Ned works for the National Trust in north Wales and he’s currently the Area Ranger for the Carneddau and Glyderau. Ned set up and led the National Trust’s footpath team from 2017 to this year.  Ned, with his wife Teleri Fielden, runs a small nature friendly farm. The farm we visit on our Down on the Farm Workshop.

We talk about managing the National Trust’s projects in the Carneddau, footpath work and running a small nature friendly farm.

For this year's Christmas special I was very pleased to be joined by Nick Livesay, expect it all, with baubles on ! Nick Livesey lives and works in Snowdonia. He’s appeared on podcasts before and has an uplifting story. Many of you will know him from the cheery counter service he provided at the Moel Siabod Café, but what has he been doing since he left? We engage in conversation bout what Nick has been doing, though lockdowns and building the Secret Snowdonia brand. We share our passion for Yr Wyddfa and the quieter, less spoilt, corners of Snowdonia.

Paul Smith. Paul’s first taste of teaching Adventure Sports was via the University of Warwick climbing wall, little did he know at that point that this introduction would lead to over 25 years of engagement with the subject of Teaching and Learning.

We did have a few sound issues on this episode dueto aporr internect connection form the south of England. Bear with it though, I think we get away with it. The book, Coaching Adventyure Sports is available here... https://adventure-sports-media-house-ltd.square.site/ 

Lucy Wallace, Mountain Leader. Lucy is a Mountain Leader, Winter Mountain Leader and International Mountain Leader living and working on Aran. She is also the President of the Scottish Ramblers. She is a member of the Aran Mountain Rescue team. Lucy leads wildlife walks on Aran and travels to work as a Mountain Leader including to train and assess other Mountain Leaders. We also talk about Lucy’s role as the Honorary President of the Scottish Ramblers, being a role model and our shared love of the upland environment.

Her photograph is used courtesy of the Scottish Ramblers

John Cousins is the Chief Executive of Mountain training UK and Ireland.  Mountain Training UK & Ireland administers six qualifications and is also the coordinating body for all of the national Mountain Training organisations of the UK and Ireland.

John is an experienced leader and instructor himself, being a qualified British Mountain Guide and Mountaineering Instructor. He’s been on many climbing expeditions and has done some particularly interesting and challenging family canoe adventures across the Canadian Wilderness, he’s still very active in the hills as a keen fell runner.

Just a few thoughts and a little update. Some of the thoughts behind why the podcast is weeky. A quick look back to old ones and news of a couple of new workshops coming in 2023.

John Harold. John is the Director of the Snowdonia Society. The Snowdonia Society is a member-based conservation charity that works with volunteers, local communities, organisations, businesses and individuals to help look after Snowdonia. Since 1967 the Snowdonia Society has worked tirelessly to ensure that Snowdonia is well-protected, well-managed and enjoyed by all.

John is a conservationist, fell runner and cyclist with a particular interest for the minutia of our upland ecosystems, including the fungi and the moths found there. He’s been leading the Society for over ten years, a period which has seen many changes…

Emily and Bronte are from London, in their 30’s neither young nor old. They are on a journey; they have discovered a new pastime and they are buzzing. Listen in for top tips, laughs and some sage advice. Essential listening for anyone working with novices in the hills regardless of age. Emily and Brontë will bring a smile to your face, challenge some of your preconceptions and bring you right up to date with how people discover hillwalking, how they are treated and how they learn to make wise decisions.

Tomo Thompson, CEO of The Friends of the Peak District and CPRE for Peak District and South Yorkshire and Mountain Rescue volunteer. We discuss the background and the role of the Friends of the Peak District. During our conversation we touch on many important issues around working in the national parks. We talk about the big issues facing the Peak District National Park. We talk about how Mountain Leaders, Hill and Moorland Leaders and Rock Climbing Instructors can contribute to making a difference.