About Us
Our Story
Shepherd Outdoors is a forward thinking mobile provider of outdoor education and mental wellness programmes, committed to fostering personal growth, resilience, and emotional well-being through immersive, nature-based experiences. Founded by Paul Shepherd—an experienced educator, First Aid Trainer, and Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Manager with over 14 years of leadership in outdoor learning—our organisation blends deep expertise with a progressive approach. Paul holds 15 years of teaching experience and is currently advancing his professional development in Outdoor Therapy (Level 4), Forest School Leadership (Level 3), and advanced wilderness skills.
Meet The Team
My career path hasn’t followed a straight line — and I believe that’s one of my strengths. Before moving into education, I worked as a head chef, sound engineer and pyrotechnician. Each role taught me something invaluable: creativity, calmness under pressure, attention to detail and the importance of teamwork.
For the past 15 years, I have worked in education as a teacher and Head of Geography, and for 14 of those years I have served as a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Manager. During that time, I’ve supported hundreds of young people to achieve their Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards. But more important than certificates or expedition miles is what I’ve seen the outdoors do for them — building resilience, confidence, leadership and self-belief. Helping young people find themselves in wild spaces has been one of the greatest privileges of my career.
I completed all three levels of my own Duke of Edinburgh’s Award as a young person. The leaders who supported me inspired a lifelong love of the outdoors and a belief in its transformative power. That journey also led me to become involved in Mountain Rescue, further deepening my respect for the mountains and the responsibility that comes with leading others in them.
The mountains are my happy place — where I go to find clarity and headspace. Growing up, Dartmoor was like a second home. Today, North Wales, particularly Moel Siabod, holds a special place in my heart. I also have lasting memories in the quieter corners of the Peak District, away from the heavily walked paths, where the real magic often happens.
Alongside my work in education and the outdoors, I have been a LIVES First Responder in Lincolnshire for eight years, responding ahead of ambulance services and holding a FREC 3 qualification. This experience has shaped how I approach safety, dynamic risk assessment and decision-making. I strongly believe that everyone should know enough first aid to step forward and help when it truly matters.
Shepherd Outdoors is the natural next step for me — bringing together my love of the outdoors, years of leadership experience and deep commitment to young people and communities. My aim is simple: to create accessible, inclusive opportunities for others to experience the same connection to nature that has shaped my life.
I firmly believe:
“The antidote to exhaustion isn’t rest. It’s nature.”
Through Outdoor Adventure Therapy, I’ve seen how a walk in nature walks the soul back home.
Through Forest School, I stand by the belief that children still need a childhood with dirt, mud, puddles, trees, sticks and tadpoles.
Shepherd Outdoors exists to help people explore, learn and truly live — not just complete an activity, but rediscover confidence, perspective and belonging in the natural world.
After more than 20 years in secondary education, a move to Northumberland opened the door for me to follow a lifelong passion: the outdoors. I now work as a freelance outdoor instructor, helping young people achieve their Duke of Edinburgh Awards and supporting adults in building the confidence and skills to explore wild spaces. Alongside my work with Shepherd Outdoors, I am also the North East Hill Representative for the British Mountaineering Council (BMC).
The hills and mountains have always been my happy place - rain or shine. Inspiring others to discover the joy of being outside is what drives me as a leader.
When I’m not on the trail, you’ll likely find me on the netball court or walking my four lively spaniels along the beach.
North Wales holds a special place in my heart. It’s where I first fell in love with the mountains as a teenager and I return as often as I can. There’s always something new to discover - but Moel Siabod remains my favourite peak.
Fun fact: I hold a black belt in karate.
My proudest moments with Shepherd Outdoors come from witnessing the joy and sense of achievement on people’s faces - whether it’s reaching a summit, soaking in a stunning view, or simply connecting with others along the way.
The outdoors is for everyone. Whether it’s your first walk or your hundredth, we’ll take it at a steady pace, enjoy the views and share the journey - no pressure, just presence.