Meet the team
Get to know the team at camp and the talented & skills practitioners who join them
Meet the team
Claire Coombe: Director and Operations Manager
I once read that to identify your true vocation in life, you should think back to what really interested you as a child of 8 yrs old- what floated your boat so to speak before outside influences took hold. I spent my childhood climbing trees, rooting around in the garden for bugs, hanging on David Attenborough's every word and looking after my myriad of pets! My awareness of environmental issues came later, first as a Landscape Architect and then, working in the charity sector, facilitating overseas development projects. Charlie and I developed Camp Kernow as a place where children can discover and explore the natural environment and engage with sustainability in a hands-on way.
Charlie Nicholson: Director and Centre Manager
I'm responsible for the day-to day running of camp and ongoing site development. My previous experience as a sculptor and furniture maker has been invaluable in realising the built element of the centre and I also lead the Future Roots Project in schools. I'm a trained power kiting, archery and climbing instructor and also teach children green woodworking skills.
Connie Lawson: Activity Instructor
I have recently qualified as a primary school teacher and have always had a keen love for the outdoors and how we can care for it. I’ve grown up on the Isles of Scilly noticing the impact of pollution on our beaches and recently lived in Gloucestershire where I ran a wildlife group teaching children how to love where they live and look after it. At camp I have the great opportunity to support children in workshops including natural dyeing, silk screen printing, upcycling and in exciting activities like climbing. When I’m not at camp you’ll usually find me walking the coast path or leaning new craft skills.
Mark Harandon: Storyteller
Once a teacher who then retrained in conservation work as a countryside warden, I am a storyteller who also works in role to bring places alive. At Camp Kernow I blend folklore, country lore and humour to help children look at the natural world with fresh eyes.