ABOUT | Woodland Warrior P

OUR STORY

The WWP is a peer-to-peer programme of therapeutic activities. It was founded in 2016 by husband and wife team Nick and Louise Goldsmith. Nick is a former Royal Marine Commando and Louise is a former Detective Constable in Avon and Somerset Police.

Nick served in the Royal Marines for 11 years, completing four tours of Afghanistan as a Commando, as well as many sensitive overseas taskings.

Like many veterans and active service personnel suffering with mental health issues, Nick had become a ticking time bomb. He was drinking heavily, suffering from black outs and memory loss.

After he was officially diagnosed with PTSD in 2014, Nick spent four years in a military recovery centre, doing everything from acupuncture to hydrotherapy, EMDR and CBT.

Yet it was a patch of overgrown and neglected woodland in the West Country, that he and Louise had bought in 2012, which really made a difference to Nick’s mental health and assisted with his recovery.

After his diagnosis, Nick re trained as a Bushcraft Instructor and ethnobotanist and in 2015 the couple set up Hidden Valley Bushcraft, providing educational and recreational experiences to people of all ages from their woodland base in Pensford.

The struggle Nick has faced after leaving the armed forces prompted him to provide activities within his own woodland to aid the recovery of injured veterans, service personnel and members of the Emergency Services and so The Woodland Warrior Programme was founded.

In 2019 it became its own stand alone Community Interest Company and is run on a 'not for profit' basis.

In 2022 a small holding was added to the WWP's portfolio which is based in the rural community of Winford, North Somerset. Here participants can learn about permaculture, bee keeping and volunteer with tasks such as the annual apple harvest.

Overnight stays and one day workshops are based in private woodland in both Pensford and East Harptree on the outskirts of Bristol.

Bee Keeping events are run by Louise who is a member of British Beekeeping Association. All other WWP events are run by

Hidden Valley Bushcraft.

Visit FAQs for more info.

MEET THE Team

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Founder

Nick Goldsmith

Nick was a Royal Marine Commando for 11 years. He is a Level 4 NCFE certified Bushcraft Instructor, has a level 4 NCFE certificate in Ethnobotany and has qualifications in Mental Health (‘Connect 5’), Woodland Management, Health and Safety, Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults (and children), Conflict Management, Food Hygiene, Professional Cookery, GNAS Archery Leadership and Mental Health First Aid. Nick is also a public speaker and author of the best selling book 'Re-wild your mind'.

Programme Facilitator

Selina CUff

Selina supports Nick in the delivery of the veterans programme, drawing on her personal experience of operating in conflict zones whilst a foreign correspondent as well professional experience of providing welfare, pastoral, career and mental health support to vulnerable young adults in an academic environment. Selina is also a former research & content developer for one of the UK's leading military charities. Selina is also a trained Mental Health First Aider.

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Programme Manager

Louise Goldsmith

Louise was a Detective Constable in A&S Police for 11 years, and is a safeguarding specialist. Louise has a wealth of experience in dealing with vulnerable adults, particularly those with Mental Health conditions, including PTSD. Louise holds a L3 Forest School qualification and is qualified in mental health first aid. Louise assists Nick during the retreats and provides the administration support. Louise is also the Designated Safeguarding Lead for the WWP.

Patron

HELEN BARNETT

A former SO19 Police Officer with the Metropolitan Police, Helen was the first Mother to join the Armed Response Unit of the Firearms Department.

During her service she was involved in a number of traumatic incidents, including being stabbed multiple times, caught in a terrorist bomb blast and shot, which eventually led to being diagnosed with PTSD and being medically discharged. Helen was awarded The Queens Commendation for Brave Conduct in 1994

As well as volunteering during the Woodland Warrior Retreats, Helen continues to champion The Woodland Warrior Programme through various public speaking appearances across the UK.

Helen is also a qualified First Aider and Mental Health First Aider.

PAST ATTENDEES

“Many of the team had been through similar experiences and I felt they understood and really cared. Above all, I had a great time in an environment which I felt was safe, welcoming and fun. Massive respect keep it up lads (and lasses) ;) “ ⎯ Paratrooper Soldier

"The brotherhood provided by a fellow marine meant my partner could talk about the difficulties he was having adjusting to civilian life. He returns from his visits to the woodland calmer and more upbeat about life"- Partner of Former Royal Marine

"I now have the confidence that an employer will see the benefit of my skills and utilise them fully. Since working with Nick I have now gained full time employment and have sought help from mental health practitioners” - Former Royal Marine.