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A qualified teacher and highly experienced practitioner, Dave has worked in outdoor education centres and across the primary, secondary, further, and higher education sectors for over 35 years.

He is a frequent workshop presenter & speaker for the Institute for Outdoor Learning, the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom and the Association of Heads of Outdoor Education Centres, and contributes regularly to the IOL’s Horizons magazine. He now runs his own consultancy, research and training business, Dave Harvey Outdoor Learning, working with a range of organisations across the UK. He is also an Honorary Senior Lecturer at Bangor University and Leading Practitioner of the IOL.

Dave’s PhD explored progression and access to outdoor learning on the west coast of Cumbria and informed the setting up of the Outdoor Partnership’s Coastal Cumbria project. The result was a deep understanding of the breadth of the outdoor learning field and the challenges that many people face in accessing the potential benefits. He has been chair of the Stakeholder Group since 2023.

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Dr Dave Harvey
Stakeholder Chair - Coastal Cumbria
Niall Sheridan has worked in the outdoor industry for over 30 years. Originally from Ireland, he developed a lifelong passion for the outdoors growing up by the coast, where the natural environment played a significant role in shaping both his personal values and professional ambitions.

At the age of 21, Niall moved to Wales and began his professional career as an outdoor instructor. Since then, he has worked extensively across the UK and Ireland, sharing his enthusiasm for outdoor learning, adventure, and personal development with people of all ages and backgrounds. Now based in South Wales, Niall works for a local authority, leading a team of outdoor professionals and delivering high-quality outdoor programmes for young people and adults. Alongside this role, he collaborates with The Outdoor Partnership, supporting the development and delivery of outdoor opportunities, promoting best practice, and contributing to initiatives that widen access to outdoor activity, training, and skills development across the region. His work is driven by a strong belief in the positive impact that outdoor experiences can have on learning, wellbeing, confidence, and community engagement.

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Niall Sheridan
Stakeholder Chair - Gwent
Joey Chapman is a seasoned outdoor professional with a passion for adventure, exploration, and developing others in dynamic environments.

Specialising in whitewater paddling and coastal journeys, Joey brings a wealth of experience guiding individuals and groups through challenging and rewarding natural landscapes. As a Paddle Cymru qualification provider, he is dedicated to delivering high-quality training and assessment, helping paddlers build confidence, skill, and respect for the water. Alongside his work in the outdoor sector, Joey serves as an on-call firefighter, a role that reflects his commitment to community, resilience, and calm decision-making under pressure. His combined experience makes him a trusted and inspiring presence both on and off the water.

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Joey Chapman
Stakeholder Chair - West Wales