About Canopy & Campfires
Matt Casey — Lead Practitioner & Founder
I’ve spent over 20 years mentoring young people, with the past decade focused on creating and running woodland-based programmes that help them feel more secure in themselves, develop new strengths, and grow in ways that matter to them. I’m a qualified Level 3 Forest School Leader with training in outdoor therapeutic practice, and I’m currently completing the NCFE CACHE Level 3 in Advanced Wilderness Therapeutic Approaches (2025). My work brings together practical outdoor skills, steady relationships, and the restorative power of nature to create spaces where young people can feel safe, valued, and supported.
My Approach:
Canopy & Campfires grew from a simple belief: that nature and steady, relational support work in perfect harmony to help young people feel calmer, more capable, and more connected with themselves.
I blend practical, hands-on tasks like bushcraft, basic survival skills, creative outdoor crafts, and campfire conversation with consistent, one-to-one mentoring, rooted in curiosity, respect, and pace.
This isn’t about quick fixes—it's about creating a grounded space where deeper trust and real change can emerge naturally over time.
While I lead all core programmes, I’m supported by a small, skilled team of practitioners who share the same values and approach. Each brings their own expertise in working with young people in outdoor or therapeutic settings, ensuring our work remains consistent, safe, and grounded in strong relationships.
Let’s Connect
If you’d like to explore how any of our programmes could support a young person, I’d love to talk.
