James Linford
I have been involved with the training and development of young people and adults for more than 30 years often using the outdoors and adventurous activities as the medium for learning and for the last 10 years I have been a Senior Instructor at Essex Outdoors, Mersea. I now run my own business.

I believe passionately in the importance of the natural outdoor environment for our health and well being as well as creating opportunities for adventure and 'learning outside the classroom.' I enjoy most outdoor pursuits but particularly bushcraft and survival skills, sea kayaking, mountain walking, climbing, and scrambling.

In 1993 I started an outdoor pursuits club for young people called Out There based at the Essex University Climbing Wall. Over the years, together with the help of a team of volunteers, we have been able to give hundreds of young people an introduction to climbing, kayaking mountaineering and bushcraft.

Qualifications



Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

Gold Expedition assessor

Development Training

Post Graduate Diploma in Development Training from the University of Cumbria

Teaching

Level 3 Award in Preparing to Teach in the Life Long Learning Sector

First Aid

Mental Health First Aid Certificate
Paediatric and Outdoor First Aid Certificate

Kayaking

Sea Kayaking - Level 3 Coach and 5 Star
Inland Kayaking - Level 3 Coach

Mountaineering and Climbing

Mountain Instructor Award
Mountain Leadership - Summer
Single Pitch Award
RS2 Route Setting Certificate

Forest Schools

Level 3 Leader

Bushcraft

Advanced Bush Craft Leader Award

Prince's Trust

Team Leader

Mountain Biking

Trail Cycle Leader Award

Mini bus Driver

Essex County Minibus Test
MIDAS certificate

Food Handling

Award for Food Handling Safety for Catering - Level 2

Power Boat

Royal Yachting Association National Powerboat Certificate Level 2

Insurance

I have business insurance on my car and can transport young people in my car subject to appropriate risk assessment and parental/ carer consent.

CRB/DBS check

I have an enhanced certificate from the Disclosing and Baring Service (formerly CRB)