Richard and Alison have been running Wildside since founding it in 2007. They see it as their responsibility before God to be faithful stewards of His land, and within the local community.

It is their Christian faith that underpins the ethos of Wildside Experience.

Meet the Team

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.
Alison Whiteside

FOUNDER / DIRECTOR / CATERING MANAGER
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.
Becky Troy-Brown

CHEF
Becky has taken over cooking the evening meal, which she prepares from scratch using Alison’s recipe. She serves drinks and ice creams from the kitchen as well as food, and helps children to choose their pizza toppings!
Her favourite thing about Wildside is meeting the children, and them telling her how much they’ve enjoyed her delicious food!
Tom Snaith

ACTIVITY LEADER
Tom has a long association with Wildside. He came on a Year 8 school residential, he then volunteered for his bronze DofE and worked for us after his university terms finished.
After a break of 3 years, he re-joined our team in 2025, and he’ll be back in 2026 for some of the camps.
Tom enjoys hiking and ultra-distance running. He recently completed 50 miles of the SW coast path in under 12 hours!

Tom’s favourite thing about Wildside is seeing children enjoying the great outdoors, and chatting to them while they wait for their pizzas to cook.