About Our Founder

Tom Lewis is the founder of Muddy Path Forest School and The Open Air Academy. He is an experienced educator with a strong belief in the power of hands-on, outdoor learning to support children’s development, wellbeing, and confidence.

Tom has worked across the primary age range, from Reception to Year 6, both in the classroom and as an outdoor education lead. As a qualified Forest School and Outdoor Learning Educator, he has seen first-hand how time spent outdoors can positively transform children’s engagement with learning.

Alongside his work delivering outdoor learning and forest school programmes, Tom is a multi-site coordinator for a community playscheme in Surrey, supporting families through accessible childcare and enriching holiday provision. He also volunteers with the British Bee Charity and the Surrey Forest School Association, helping to promote environmental awareness and nature connection for children and communities.

Through both Muddy Path Forest School and The Open Air Academy, Tom aims to create meaningful outdoor experiences that spark curiosity, nurture wellbeing, and help children build lasting connections with the natural world.