Shelley Smith

Hi, my name is Shelley and I am a volunteer at Hopyard Wood.

I am passionate about learning and the outdoors. After studying HND Countryside Management at Aberystwyth University in 1999, I ended combining both of these passions pursuing a career as a pilot and flying instructor of paragliders, hang gliders, microlights and light aircraft. Since a very young age I have always valued highly the sense of adventure, independence and ultimately freedom that comes with stepping into nature, accepting personal responsibility and risk in a constantly changing environment.

Since becoming a mother myself, I now recognise just how important it is for both young people and also adults to be able to experience the freedom and challenge of being in nature which older generations too much for granted. In an effort to pass on my love of the great outdoors I am planning on working towards the Level 3 Forest School Practitioner qualification.

“We have so much to re-learn by allowing ourselves the freedom to once again see the world as through the eyes of a child.”

When I am not flying a plane, fixing an engine or playing about in a wood learning how to make fire and tie sticks together; you will likely find me out wandering the hills with my family and a small, chocolate coloured dog.