Meet Kat
Kat has a background in musical theatre and has spent decades teaching drama to children of all ages. She excels at engaging children and making sessions exciting and unique. Her recent work in forest schools has strengthened her connection with the outdoors, and through imagination & creativity she makes the woods come alive for children. She has the ability to connect and resonate with kids of all ages, and her energy and enthusiasm for what she does is truly contagious. You will also find her guiding adults of all abilities through a serene vinyasa flow amongst the trees on the peaceful yoga decking.
Meet Matt
Matt’s love for the outdoors is clear in everything he does. His hands-on experience with tools, ropework and knots from his background in the yachting industry has led to the creation of the incredible site he has built at the Hidden Valley. Matt brings expertise from managing teams, teaching firefighting and first aid in remote settings and years of battling the elements at sea to the Hidden Valley. He has spent too many painful hours developing risk assessments and best practice procedures, hence why he is designated lead on all things boring admin! Alongside his passion for wild camping, climbing and all things outdoors, his experiences ensure that every outdoor adventure is exciting and safe for all who attend.
Meet Nala
Nala joined the family just over a year ago and has been by our side ever since. She loves big sticks, tummy tickles and doggie treats. She is a firm favourite with the kids who attend our holiday camps and absolutely loves getting to play in the woods all day!
Our Story
We met in Switzerland, where Kat was a Kids Club manager and Matt was a ski guide. Our paths briefly diverged with Kat venturing off to sing her lungs out on a cruise ship in the Norwegian Fjords, and Matt on his own adventure crossing the Pacific Ocean on a small sailing boat. 5 months of long distance phone calls later, we reconvened, joined forces and worked together for 3 years on a Large Yacht on both sides of the Atlantic, before eventually getting married in the Surrey Hills and settling down in Grayshott, very close to both of our family homes.
Our shared love for the outdoors brought us together, and we decided we wanted to create a life surrounded by nature. Grayshott, a picturesque village on the Surrey/Hampshire border, certainly isn’t the Alps, but its beautiful forests made it the perfect place for us to settle down. Our goal is to showcase the beauty of these woodlands and highlight Grayshott as a destination for nature enthusiasts of all ages.
Our Philosophy
At The Hidden Valley, we provide a safe space where children can explore, learn, and grow in a nurturing environment. Our commitment to kindness and mindfulness, as set by our sister company Creating Kinder Kids, founded by Kat in 2022, sets us apart from other woodland sites. We aim to integrate these values into all our programs, helping both children and adults leave with great memories and a deeper understanding of empathy and self-awareness and an even bigger appreciation for nature.
