East Coast Outdoors CIC
About Us
"What we do, we do well"
We pride ourselves on the outdoor activities, development opportunities and training we provide to organisations and young people from every walk of life.
What we do, we do well for a fair price and with great passion, thought and ambition. Our values are train safely, challenge keenly and discover eagerly.
Find out more about we could offer your organisation.
DofE Approved Activity Provider
We are an Approved Activity Provider (AAPs) which means that the DofE has approved us as meeting sectional conditions that can count towards the achievement of a DofE Award.
We are able to provide the expedition section in its entirety, including training, supervision, assessment and reports on eDofE.
Open DofE Expeditions
Our Open Expeditions mean anyone between 14 and 24 can take part and join other young people to complete this section of the Award.
OUR 2022 DATES ARE NOW LIVE
AALA Licence
We hold an AALA licence from the Health & Safety Executive, allowing anyone who uses us to be sure that the outdoor activities provided follow good safety management practices.
These should allow young people to experience exciting and stimulating activities outdoors without being exposed to avoidable risks.
Countryside Leaders Award
The Countryside Leader Award (CLA) is for adults who wish to lead walks and camping expeditions in non-remote, lowland countryside. This is the quickest and cheapest ways for adult leaders to gain a nationally recognised award.
Meet the Team
Bert Park - IML & ML (Winter) Operations Director
Bert Park - IML & ML (Winter) Operations Director
Bert Park - IML & ML (Winter) Operations Director
Bert is our Operations Director, a retired teacher who previously served for 24 years in the armed forces working on helicopters, he has been actively involved in outdoor education for over 30 years and coordinated DofE for 6 years for a local school. He is passionate about young people learning through outdoor experiences. Bert is an
Bert is our Operations Director, a retired teacher who previously served for 24 years in the armed forces working on helicopters, he has been actively involved in outdoor education for over 30 years and coordinated DofE for 6 years for a local school. He is passionate about young people learning through outdoor experiences. Bert is an International Mountain Leader and holds a Mountain Leader (Winter) qualification.
Bert is our AAP Manager and holds overall responsibility for all DofE based Expeditions. He is responsible for all our Freelance Staff, Insurance, risk assessments and our AALA licence.
Bert has extensive experience of leading expeditions both in the UK (for DofE) and overseas. He has led expeditions to Madagascar, Peru, Venezuala, Vietnam, Cambodia, Zambia, South Africa, Equador & the Galapagos Islands, Norway, and Morocco. He recently completed the Tour du Mont Blanc, and the Wainright coast to coast walk with his wife, Rika.
Bert is also a Bushcraft Instructor, a keen scuba diver and has achieved his PADI Rescue Diver. He lives in Suffolk with his Jack Russell Terriers, competes at orienteering, trail marathons, mountain marathons and partners his wife in Ballroom dancing competitions.
Hannah Mitchell - Company Secretary
Bert Park - IML & ML (Winter) Operations Director
Bert Park - IML & ML (Winter) Operations Director
Hannah has a long history of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award and Outdoor Education, having worked as a County DofE Manager for 10 years. She now works for the NHS as a manager and is supporting the COVID-19 vaccine roll out.
Hannah is responsible for the day to day running of the company. She welcomes new and existing clients, deals w
Hannah has a long history of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award and Outdoor Education, having worked as a County DofE Manager for 10 years. She now works for the NHS as a manager and is supporting the COVID-19 vaccine roll out.
Hannah is responsible for the day to day running of the company. She welcomes new and existing clients, deals with finance, payroll and safeguarding. Together with Bert & Kelvin she develops ideas and strategy.
She holds a BELA qualification and is a DofE Assessor and lives on the beautiful heritage coastline with her family and walking companion Ben.
Kelvin Ives - WGL
Bert Park - IML & ML (Winter) Operations Director
Kelvin Ives - WGL
Kelvin has over 30 years experience of working with young people and adults as a senior youth leader and commanding officer in a uniformed youth organisation. He holds a Walking Group Leader qualification and is a DofE Assessor.
Having completed successful careers within the public and private sector, Kelvin moved into secondary and furt
Kelvin has over 30 years experience of working with young people and adults as a senior youth leader and commanding officer in a uniformed youth organisation. He holds a Walking Group Leader qualification and is a DofE Assessor.
Having completed successful careers within the public and private sector, Kelvin moved into secondary and further education as a lecturer and teacher. He is passionate about providing opportunities for young people to grow, learn and develop in the outdoors to become more confident or simply have a great time.
Kelvin's calm, positive nature and teaching experience means he is a favourite choice for organisations. He has walked in Iceland, New Zealand, Maderia, Western and Eastern Canada, around the UK, and Germany; his favourite place is the Highlands of Scotland from Ullapool up to Cape Wrath.
Our "steady hand" is responsible for policy, governance, freelance contractor checks, other outdoor actives and working with social care colleagues on bespoke outdoor projects. He is completing his Forest School and Beach School qualification, and lives in rural Suffolk with his family and lovely dog Dan.