Meet the Team
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Richard Whiteside
FOUNDER / DIRECTOR / ACTIVITY LEADER
A Biology graduate and qualified teacher, Richard taught Science and English for 3 years at a remote school in Papua New Guinea. He was then a Science teacher for 11 years at Uffculme School in Devon, where he met Alison.
A keen naturalist, Richard is also a certified Advanced Bushcraft Practitioner and Archery Leader. He is a musician and barn-dance caller in his spare time!
His favourite thing about Wildside is seeing children overcome challenges and fears.
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Alison Whiteside
FOUNDER / DIRECTOR / CHIEF BAKER!
Alison grew up in the Blackdown Hills, where she developed her love of nature.
A mother of 3, she has worked in local primary and secondary schools, and she ran a playgroup in Ireland for 5 years!
The giant cakes that Alison bakes with Wildside eggs are always popular, as is the fresh bread she bakes for breakfasts!
Her favourite thing about Wildside is hearing the sounds of happy children playing in the meadow.
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Sam Burton
ACTIVITY LEADER & MARKETING
Sam joined the Wildside team in 2023, after bringing many young adult groups up to Wildside over a number years.
Sam has a huge heart for people, after spending time helping people in Asia and the Middle East Sam started a young adult charity called AWAKEN and is also a trustee of a few local charities for youth and young adult work.
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Kate Burton
ACTIVITY LEADER & CHEF
Kate joined the team in 2023, she is married to Sam.
Kate is a part-time youth worker for Young Somerset Charity and has a huge heart for young people.
She loves animals and has a huge sense of humour!
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Helen Williams
ACTIVITY LEADER
Helen grew up on her family farm just 2 miles down the valley from Wildside. She joined the Wildside team in 2022, and she fitted in immediately!
She has worked as a Christian youth worker in London and as a youth and children’s work advisor for the Diocese of Exeter, though she feels most at home in the countryside.
Helen’s loves introducing children to the sheep and pigs, and answering their questions (that’s the children’s questions, not the animals’)!
When not working at Wildside, Helen works for CHAT in Tiverton. She is excited about getting married in July!