Bishops Wood Staff

John Rhymer - Head of Centre /TA for ESD

My job is Head of Bishops Wood Centre and also Adviser for ESD in Worcestershire Childrens Service.
As well as managing the centre and staff, I run INSET courses for teachers, advise schools on sustainability issues, Eco-Schools, curriculum matters relating to the environment and provide advice, training and consultancy on all aspect of schoool grounds developments.  I am the UK Programmes Co-ordinator for The Institute for Earth Education.. 

Gill Frankling - Centre Co-ordinator

I moved to Worcestershire from West Sussex in 1990 and began working at a middle school in Bewdley during the following year.  In 1997, I moved within Worcesteshire County Council to IBS Schools where I spent a great 10 years supporting schools with their IT systems.  I have been here at Bishops Wood since January 2008, swapping the world of information technology for environmental sustainability. 

As part of the management team, I co-ordinator all the activities happening here at the Centre.  I am responsible for the day to day operation of the Centre and aim to ensure that all visitors to Bishops Wood leave having had a great experience!  Constantly striving to improve and develop what we offer, I welcome and value feedback from all who visit.

Jon Cree - Training Co-ordinator

My area of responsibility is environmental education and training. I am a qualified Forest School Leader and I co-ordinate the 14 –19 provision.  I am an assessor, an Accredited Practitioner in Outdoor Learning (APIOL), an advanced graduate certificate in global training from the University of London and the Level 3 Bushcraft Instructors award from the Woodcraft School.  I am also the training co-ordinator for the Institute for Earth Education in the UK and my passion is spending time in the woods tuning in to the magic of the plants and animals found there, when not paddling on the local rivers!!  I have been involved with environmental education and training for almost 30 years.

Matt Hawes  -  Site Manager

My role at Bishops Wood is to manage the site and its woodland, meadows, ponds and habitats and ensure safe access to all parts.  I have been at Bishops Wood since 2004. 

I began working in forestry in Herefordshire over ten years ago and have worked in all aspects of forestry.  I have spent most of my working life involved in the felling and extraction of large broadleaf trees.  I have always been involved in craft work usually in the media of wood but I also work with leather and specialist wood working tools.  I produce large scale high quality items of sculpture and furniture for the Worcestershire School Grounds Development Team. 

I deliver some of the traditional woodland skills courses including pole-lathe turning, bowl turning, wood carving, whittling and coppice management.

I run the conservation days offered here at the Centre with Sean, mentor the VScheme volunteers interested in gaining experience in woodland management and conservation.

Sean Comfort - Grounds Person

I arrived at Bishops Wood in 2006 after 18 years with Sandwell MBC, where I worked in the grounds maintenance, urban forestry and landscape units.  I work alongside Matt maintaining the entire 70 acre site,  assist with conservation / project days and mentor 'V' Scheme volunteers. 

I have responsibility for our tree nursery and firewood sales.  Our trees and firewood are available for sale to the public.

Alison Byng - Forest School Co-ordinator

I started working for Worcestershire Forest School Initiative in May 2004 after many years of working within the Early Years sector.  I felt I needed a change of direction so trained to become a Forest School Leader.  This role enabled me to deliver Forest School sessions to Early Years settings across Worcestershire.  My role within Forest School changed in July 2009 when I became the Worcestershire Forest School Co-ordinator based at the Bishops Wood Centre.  I now not only help deliver sessions, I also provide help, support and guidance for all Forest School practitioners across Worcestershire.

Julie Grainger - Training & Development Officer

I've been working at Bishops Wood for 6 years, initially as a Forest School Leader as well as a member of the Schools Team and now as a Forest School Trainer.  I will be the one battering my computer as I would rather be outside all of the time!

Ann Goddard – Teacher

is a part time Teacher based at the Centre running day programmes for Foundation, Key stage 1, 2 and 3 students

Gillian Raven – Teacher

is a part time Teacher based at the Centre running day programmes for Foundation, Key stage 1, 2 and 3 students

Karen Burrows - Admin Assistant / Receptionist

I am likely to be the first person you come across when you visit Bishops Wood!  I can be found in reception and try to ensure everything is prepared for your visit, to direct you to the right place and ensure everyone signs in.  I will be there to answer any questions you may have and on hand to make sure you have everything you require to make your visit a successful one!

Lisa Price  -  Forest School Leader

Jason Hardwick  -  Forest School Leader

Having trained as a Forest School Leader here at Bishops Wood, I am now fortunate enough to be one of the 'team' delivering Forest School sessions as part of the Worcestershire Forest School Initiative.  I have been working in Worcestershire schools and early years settings, predominantly with children from 3 to 15 years, for the past two years.

Ade Llewellyn  -  14 - 16 Tutor

I am the lead tutor for the 14 - 19 Provision and a qualified Forest School Practitioner.  I run team building sessions for children, youth and adult groups.  I also run some of the leisure courses here at Bishops Wood.

Slava Elcock - Forest School Administrator

I have worked at the Bishops Wood Centre since March 2001 and I joined the Forest School Initiative team in January 2005.  I am generally the first point of contact for any Forest School enquiries.

Patrick Keenan - Caretaker and Cleaner

I have been at Bishops Wood since November 2001.

My role is to ensure a clean safe environment for all staff and visitors and to welcome any very early visitors!