Barry Rowles
Former paratrooper, Navy officer, long term foster carer and outdoor instructor, Barry is a wise and valued member of the core community at Coed Hills – and has his own experience of trauma, crisis and recovery.
Areas of interest
- Forest School
- Nature Connection
- Restoring Confidence
Barry is a wise and valued member of Coed Hills community. He is a bushcraft facilitator, outdoor instructor, former paratrooper, Navy officer and long term foster carer. Barry has worked for many years using nature connection and outdoor activities to help veterans who have experienced trauma to rebuild confidence. After completing an apprenticeship as Design Draughtsman and receiving the Freedom of the City of Coventry, Barry joined the Navy as an Engineering Officer. He then joined 2 Parachute Regiment after passing the P Company Training. Barry’s next adventure was running his own industrial cleaning company before training as a residential social worker. Barry taught canoeing with outdoor activities, and was known for his ability to connect and inspire with young people often described as having behaviour that challenges. Alongside his social work, Barry and his wife fostered 40 children.
He also experienced his own mental health crisis and was sectioned to a secure unit. Barry’s recovery and move to Wales has sparked a new chapter of work with veterans experiencing post trauma. He has set up his woodworking, bushcraft and archery outdoor classroom at Coed Hills, and also facilitates forest school. Barry will only be with us on Monday and Tuesday, so take the opportunity to visit his base if you can.
