Our Bugs, Bones & Botany 'Team'
Bugs, Bones & Botany works independently and with trusted professionals to deliver inclusive, high-quality outdoor learning for children and young people.
We believe time outdoors is essential, not a luxury, and that meaningful nature-based learning should be accessible to all, regardless of background, location, or additional needs.
Our work is community-focused. By sharing skills and resources, we bring engaging outdoor experiences into local spaces, helping more families access forest school and nature-based learning.
Alongside our outdoor sessions, we also offer lab-based and classroom workshops for KS2 and above. These hands-on sessions explore topics such as anatomy, forensics, ecology and animal remains, bringing science to life in an accessible and engaging way.
Through flexible sessions, partnerships, and a commitment to inclusion, we aim to make outdoor learning and real-world science something everyone can experience.
Dr Christian “Catkins” Atkins
Dr Christian “Catkins” Atkins supports sessions with his specialist knowledge and experience in palaeontology.
He holds a doctorate in palaeontology and has a background in the military, bringing a calm, practical and structured approach to learning. Christian is also a parent and a local primary school governor, giving him valuable insight into education settings, safeguarding, and what children need to thrive.
His presence adds depth, reassurance, and expert guidance to sessions, particularly where scientific exploration and structured learning come into play.
Fun fact: There’s a strong chance he can answer just about any rock-based question you throw at him.
Katherine Hunter – Nature’s Nook
Katherine Hunter is a Forest School Leader and founder of Nature’s Nook, working in collaboration with Bugs, Bones & Botany across sessions, projects and holiday clubs.
She is also a teacher at a local primary school, bringing strong experience in education and a natural ability to engage younger children. Katherine has a particular talent for creating activities that are accessible, creative and perfectly suited to early years and KS1 learners.
Our partnership allows us to share skills, resources and experience, ensuring continuity, resilience and consistently high-quality provision for the children and families we work with.
Fun fact: Katherine is amazing at willow weaving — give her a pile of sticks and she’ll turn it into something brilliant.
Safeguarding, DBS & Insurance
Children’s safety and wellbeing are at the heart of everything we do.
- All adults working directly with children hold enhanced DBS checks
- Sessions are delivered in line with robust safeguarding policies and procedures
- Full public liability insurance is in place for all activities
- Appropriate risk–benefit assessments are completed for each site and activity
- Leaders are first aid trained and experienced in working with children across a range of ages and needs
By working with trusted, vetted professionals and maintaining clear safeguarding standards, Bugs, Bones & Botany ensures a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment where children can explore, learn, and thrive outdoors.