Simon Harry

Lecturer – Countryside Skills with Ranger Training

About Simon

Simon has been passionate about the environment since childhood, growing up on the Gower Peninsula where he spent his formative years exploring local woodlands, roaming the coastline, and working on local farms.

His career in conservation spans decades and continents. After completing a HND in Countryside Management at the Welsh Agricultural College and a degree in Environment and Social Values at Glamorgan University, Simon held Ranger posts with Natural Resources Wales and the Forestry Commission, and worked internationally as a ranger in both Zambia and New Zealand.

He was also part of the team that developed the national Forest School training programme. Since moving to the Highlands, Simon has managed two community woodlands and spearheaded award-winning initiatives - including projects using woodlands to support people living with dementia, and school partnerships designing and building woodland log classrooms (both earning Scottish Finest Woods Awards).

Simon began lecturing on the Countryside Skills course in 2020, with practical delivery hosted at the Abriachan Forest Trust - a community woodland he previously managed for six years.

Teaching & Modules

Simon delivers a range of theoretical and practical modules designed to prepare students for real-world conservation and ranger roles, including:

  • Environmental Education
  • Environmental Interpretation
  • Access and Recreation Management
  • Practical Land Skills (including Fencing)

Profile image of Simon Harry

Qualifications

  • HND in Countryside Management (Welsh Agricultural College)
  • BA (Hons) in Environment and Social Values (Glamorgan University)

Beyond the Classroom

When he isn't teaching, Simon is an avid ultra-endurance cyclist and works as a summer cycle guide with Wilderness Scotland. He has completed major European events including the French Divide, the Italy Divide, and the Iberica Traversa (a continuous race from the northernmost to southernmost point of Spain).

Fun Fact: You might also catch a glimpse of him on screen - he has appeared in two episodes of Doctor Who!