About Me

Welcome, and thank you for visiting my website.

I'm Gareth Mate—an outdoor educator, author, trail runner, and teacher originally from the Peak District in England, now living in the Netherlands. My passion lies in helping people learn, explore, and thrive through meaningful experiences in the outdoors.

For more than fifteen years, I have worked in education, inspiring young people to develop confidence, curiosity, resilience, and a lifelong connection with the natural world. Whether in the classroom, the forest, or on a mountain trail, I believe that some of life's most valuable lessons happen beyond four walls.

The outdoors has always played a central role in my life. It is where I find perspective, challenge myself, and reconnect with what matters most. From leading outdoor learning projects and creating educational resources to running trails across Europe and building communities such as Rotterdam Trail Runners, I am passionate about sharing the positive impact of nature on learning, well-being, and personal growth.

Through this website, I share practical outdoor learning ideas, educational resources, trail running adventures, race reports, reflections, photography, and stories from the outdoors. My aim is to inspire others—whether teachers, parents, runners, or outdoor enthusiasts—to step outside, embrace new experiences, and discover what is possible.

I believe that learning should be active, adventure should be accessible, and nature should be for everyone.

If my work resonates with you, I would love to hear from you. Feel free to explore the site, follow along with my adventures, or get in touch to discuss outdoor learning, writing, speaking opportunities, coaching, or collaboration.

Thanks for stopping by, and I hope you find something here that inspires you to get outdoors and begin your own adventure.

All the best,

Gareth Mate

If my ideas interest you, please read on or contact me so we can connect.

All the best!

Gareth

You can read my Blog here: Blog (garethmate.com)

Contact Me

You can say hello@garethmate.com.

Popular Education Resources

I have a wide variety of resources available in my Education shop. Click here or on the images below.

Forest Schools Presentation

To view more resources available in my TES Shop, click here.

Buy my Books: Explore, Learn, Create

I captured my thoughts and experiences and have written two books focusing on Outdoor Learning and my practical experiences setting up a working Forest School in England.

For more information, please click on the link or images below to purchase.