Thea
Hello everyone. I was born in New Zealand but moved to the UK at 6 months old, and have spent the majority of my life in England. I have spent some time volunteering at workaways and WOOFing projects, and this is where I met some of the wonderful communities living life a little differently. I have also stayed at Buddhist temples, mediation centres, permaculture farms, and visited off-grid communities in the UK and Portugal; which would seem all-the-more idyllic whenI found myself staring at the white-washed walls of my student accommodation in the city of Leeds during lockdown.

After a brief visit to higher education, I proceeded to spend the next 3 years working as an outdoor instructor. During this time, I found myself in a variety of living situations from playing out my Vanlife fantasy in my old but surprisingly reliable transit; moving between campsites; indulging in the facilities at nearby hostels (which felt even more luxurious after a few arduous days wild-camping); or briefly unpacking at staff residential sites. I have thoroughly enjoyed hiking, climbing and canoeing some of the UK’s and Europe’s hidden gems and natural wonders; and have come to appreciate its concrete tower blocks and brutalist architecture from a safe distance. In my spare time, when I manage to tear myself away from the climbing wall, I enjoy painting and playing around with film and photography. Without these creative practices, I feel more stressed, cram too much into my schedule, and lose my patience quickly. I am very much looking forward to slowing the pace down in the rainforest, as well as having the opportunity to be hands-on and create within a larger project...and hopefully avoid getting stuck up in a tree I thought I could climb.