TOM
Caru Coed Founder and Team Leader
QUALIFICATIONS & TRAINING:
Forest School Leadership
Mental Health First Aid
Emergency First Aid
With a passion for nature and the outdoors, Tom founded Caru Coed to help others reconnect with nature and unlock their full potential. With a background in working with children and adults with additional needs, managing outdoor pursuits, and overseeing housing projects for the elderly with multiple teams, Tom brings a wealth of experience to the programmes he creates.
His diverse experience includes working across education, outdoor learning, and therapeutic settings, allowing him to design programmes that inspire growth, creatvity, and wellbeing for both children and adults.
Tom is also a lover of fire and food, with a deep passion for cooking over an open flame. He believes that cooking in nature not only enhances the experience but also fosters connection, creativity, and resilience.
Believing in the healing power of nature, Tom is dedicated to providing a supportive, inclusive environment where participants of all ages can learn, grow and find balance.
Through hands-on learning, exploration, and a connection to nature, Tom works to empower others to embrace their personal journeys and thrive.
DANIEL BROWN
Bushcraft Instructor & Wild Food Specialist
Daniel brings deep practical knowledge, high-level technical qualification, and genuine passion to the woods. An accredited Level 2 Bushcraft, Survival, and Wilderness Living Skills instructor through the Survival School, his expertise spans safe edge-tool craft, natural cordage, shelter, and wild foraging.
Just as comfortable over the hearth as he is in the canopy, Daniel shares our obsession with good camp food—perhaps even more than Tom. From preparing wild game to seasonal foraged ingredients, his approach is calm, practical, and completely hands-on.
Whether guiding safe knife work or tending the embers, Daniel focuses on quiet confidence, traditional skills, and the simple pleasure of good food shared around the fire.
Vaughan
‘The Caretaker’
Vaughan is the engine of Caru Coed, keeping the wheels turning behind the scenes. Whether keeping the fires burning, the kit sorted, or a fresh pot of proper coffee on the go, he makes camp run seamlessly.
A passionate bushcrafter who loves sharing skills around the hearth, Vaughan is the steady, dependable presence keeping us all going.
“SURVIVAL STEVE”
Survival Expert
QUALIFICATIONS & TRAINING:
30 years teaching survival, escape and evasion in the military!
With over 30 years of experience teaching survival, Steve has honed his skills in some of the toughest environments out there. He keeps things real—no gimmicks, just solid, practical knowledge that you can actually use. His approach is hands-on, down-to-earth, and always engaging.
Whether it’s fire-lighting, shelter-building, or reading the land, Steve makes sure you leave with skills that stick. He’s all about self-reliance, respect for nature, and knowing how to handle yourself outdoors—without overcomplicating things.
Steve’s expertise goes beyond the basics. He teaches foraging—showing you how to identify edible plants and fungi, from deep woodlands to unexpected urban spaces. His celestial navigation skills mean you’ll never be lost, even without a compass. And if you ever find yourself in a tight spot, his urban survival techniques can help you adapt, stay safe, and think on your feet no matter where you are.
Steve’s not about fancy tricks or survival show drama—just proper, useful skills taught in a way that makes sense. No fuss, no nonsense—just learning, doing, and he may even get his guitar out around the fire.
CHRISTINE
Wellness Coach and Holistic Healer
Christine brings a deep understanding of relaxation, mindfulness, and the power of sound to help you fully switch off. Using Tibetan bowls, gongs, and other therapeutic instruments, she creates a space where stress melts away and your mind and body can reset. Calming and supporting and keeps the camp in order!
PAUL
Outdoor Activity Instructor
QUALIFICATIONS & TRAINING:
Rock Climbing Instructor
Mountain Leader Trained
Level 2 Outdoor First Aid
Paddlesport Instructor
Paul has had an interest in bushcraft and the outdoors since early childhood.
Joining the “Beavers” (Scouts) aged 6 then the Cub Scouts, Army Cadets, Army Reserves and turning to Rock Climbing, Kayaking and Mountain Leader awards in his 30s and 40s, Paul isn’t one for sitting still in a room!