FacebookXYouTubeLinkedIn
communication@well-grounded.org

page with testimonials

page with testimonials2021-11-02T19:53:06+00:00

Well Grounded was set up by two people, Cath Long and Iola Leal. Between them, Cath and Iola have more than 30 years of experience in working with local organisations and communities on natural resources and rights, particularly in Africa. Their country experience includes: Cameroon, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Liberia, Mozambique, Republic of Congo, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Uganda and Zimbabwe in Africa; and Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, Guatemala, Peru and Venezuela in Latin America. They have worked in the NGO sector, in research and with governments on programme development and delivery and on policy, campaign and advocacy work. They have a strong network of contacts and a track record of successful campaign and programme work.

Pressure on natural resources

Natural resources are central to the lives and livelihoods of the poorest and most marginalised people. However, all too often these resources aren’t managed in a way that benefits the communities who depend on them or that ensures that they’ll be available to future generations. The situation is becoming more urgent as the international appetite for natural resources, including minerals, timber and land for crops such as palm oil, becomes ever greater. Communities and natural habitats are under pressure.

Working with civil society organisations

Well Grounded works with African civil society organisations (who can be any group, formal or informal, that brings people together for a purpose. They can include, among others, non-government organisations, community-based organisations, networks, platforms, coalitions and social movements), because they have a key role to play as a complement and a counterweight to government and the private sector. Well Grounded works with these organisations so that they are able to realise their objectives and vision and make a positive change to community rights and natural resource management in their home countries and in the wider world.

Testimonials

Helen Murray

DofE Manager, Great Marlow School


I have really enjoyed working with Off Grid Adventures this season. It has been eventful, but every issue we encountered was dealt with swiftly and professionally. When we were made aware that we were no longer using the Approved Activity Provider we have used for years, at very short notice, you not only accommodated us but made the transition easy and stress-free. Both Fidelma and Tony have built up a good rapport with Great Marlow School students and staff. This has made the weekends run smoothly and has ensured that the experience was enjoyed by all. Any queries or concerns are dealt with quickly and efficiently and I feel that the regular contact we have, either by phone, email, or in person has made this season such a success.

Well Grounded
2019-09-11T08:30:16+00:00
DofE Manager, Great Marlow School I have really enjoyed working with Off Grid Adventures this season. It has been eventful, but every issue we encountered was dealt with swiftly and professionally. When we were made aware that we were no longer using the Approved Activity Provider we have used for years, at very short notice, you not only accommodated us but made the transition easy and stress-free. Both Fidelma and Tony have built up a good rapport with Great Marlow School students and staff. This has made the weekends run smoothly and has ensured that the experience was enjoyed by all. Any queries or concerns are dealt with quickly and efficiently and I feel that the regular contact we have, either by phone, email, or in person has made this season such a success.

Alastair Farquharson

DofE Leader – Torquay Boys’ Grammar School


Torquay Boys’ Grammar School contracted Tony to work with groups of Year 10 students completing their Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award. His handling of the teams was excellent, highlighting numerous personal and professional qualities. Although Tony met groups for the first time at the start of their expedition it was striking how quickly he took control. The boys responded well to his group management skills and within the first day he developed an effective rapport with each group.


It has been a pleasure to work with Tony. Not only did he do a fantastic job with the boys but he was also flexible and considerate to our needs. During the expeditions I had every confidence that students were in safe hands and recommend Tony’s services without hesitation.

Well Grounded
2019-02-12T12:20:30+00:00
DofE Leader – Torquay Boys’ Grammar School Torquay Boys’ Grammar School contracted Tony to work with groups of Year 10 students completing their Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award. His handling of the teams was excellent, highlighting numerous personal and professional qualities. Although Tony met groups for the first time at the start of their expedition it was striking how quickly he took control. The boys responded well to his group management skills and within the first day he developed an effective rapport with each group. It has been a pleasure to work with Tony. Not only did he do a fantastic job with the boys but he was also flexible and considerate to our needs. During the expeditions I had every confidence that students were in safe hands and recommend Tony’s services without hesitation.

Sharad Obhan

Programme leader of Work Related Learning - Hans Price Academy


Tony is a fantastic leader due the qualities and characteristics that he possesses. He has great organisational skills and is always very well prepared. He always manages risk by making informed decisions, enabling us to feel safe. I feel confident using a map without the use of technology, and feel more capable of adapting to changing, modern conditions!

Well Grounded
2019-02-12T12:30:04+00:00
Programme leader of Work Related Learning - Hans Price Academy Tony is a fantastic leader due the qualities and characteristics that he possesses. He has great organisational skills and is always very well prepared. He always manages risk by making informed decisions, enabling us to feel safe. I feel confident using a map without the use of technology, and feel more capable of adapting to changing, modern conditions!

Dave Smith

Personal Trainer


Who knew learning to read maps in the New Forest could be this much fun? Thanks to Off Grid Adventures’ expert guidance me and my city slicker mates had a wonderful weekend. I don’t think there’s anything Tony doesn’t know about the countryside; stumble across a funny coloured mushroom and he’ll tell you how quickly it could kill you, choose a nice spot to eat your sandwiches and he’ll respectively point out that you’re sitting on a prehistoric burial mound. His enthusiasm is infectious his knowledge astounding, and as for his jokes… well, two out three ain’t bad I suppose. Seriously though, I can’t recommend Off Grid Adventures highly enough.

Well Grounded
2019-02-12T12:41:52+00:00
Personal Trainer Who knew learning to read maps in the New Forest could be this much fun? Thanks to Off Grid Adventures’ expert guidance me and my city slicker mates had a wonderful weekend. I don’t think there’s anything Tony doesn’t know about the countryside; stumble across a funny coloured mushroom and he’ll tell you how quickly it could kill you, choose a nice spot to eat your sandwiches and he’ll respectively point out that you’re sitting on a prehistoric burial mound. His enthusiasm is infectious his knowledge astounding, and as for his jokes… well, two out three ain’t bad I suppose. Seriously though, I can’t recommend Off Grid Adventures highly enough.

Fran Harvey

Director - New Internationalist


Off Grid Adventures meticulously planned and led our group on an excellent weekend of navigation and map reading skills. We were a group of mixed knowledge /ability and our leader was able to manage this so that everyone got a huge amount out of the weekend. Great fun as well. We'll be coming back for more!

Well Grounded
2019-02-12T12:43:01+00:00
Director - New Internationalist Off Grid Adventures meticulously planned and led our group on an excellent weekend of navigation and map reading skills. We were a group of mixed knowledge /ability and our leader was able to manage this so that everyone got a huge amount out of the weekend. Great fun as well. We'll be coming back for more!

Jim Mourilyan

Head of Technology Services – Whitbread


Whether you are a seasoned navigator looking to explore new horizons with friends or someone who wants to go beyond finding your way out of a paper bag; Off Grid Adventures is just for you. They blend fun, navigation and the great outdoors perfectly. A group of us spent the weekend with Off Grid Adventures in the Peak District. They took care of us from the moment we arrived. Their weekends are a perfect ingredient for building a team. The shared experience of getting a team from A to B safely really bonds a group of individuals together - a bond that transfers to the workplace.

Well Grounded
2019-02-12T12:43:59+00:00
Head of Technology Services – Whitbread Whether you are a seasoned navigator looking to explore new horizons with friends or someone who wants to go beyond finding your way out of a paper bag; Off Grid Adventures is just for you. They blend fun, navigation and the great outdoors perfectly. A group of us spent the weekend with Off Grid Adventures in the Peak District. They took care of us from the moment we arrived. Their weekends are a perfect ingredient for building a team. The shared experience of getting a team from A to B safely really bonds a group of individuals together - a bond that transfers to the workplace.

Dr Simon Munk

Children's mental health strategist - London


I would highly recommend one of Tony's Mountain Leader refresher courses. Not only does he clearly know his stuff, but he explains navigation techniques and mountain craft skills in such an accessible way. The weekend was a lot of fun in large part down to Tony's informal friendly manner and infectious enthusiasm. I came away ready to do my ML assessment and confident to take groups hiking in the hills.

Well Grounded
2019-02-12T12:45:00+00:00
Children's mental health strategist - London I would highly recommend one of Tony's Mountain Leader refresher courses. Not only does he clearly know his stuff, but he explains navigation techniques and mountain craft skills in such an accessible way. The weekend was a lot of fun in large part down to Tony's informal friendly manner and infectious enthusiasm. I came away ready to do my ML assessment and confident to take groups hiking in the hills.

Gill

General Manager & Specifier - Oxfordshire


A truly great ‘Maps & Mates’ weekend: A relaxed Friday Eve with briefing, maps, compass and orientation skills introduction. Then Saturday and Sunday …. OFF WE GO!! So informative, so much laughter, we booked to do it all again, I’ve been on three now!

Well Grounded
2019-02-12T12:45:56+00:00
General Manager & Specifier - Oxfordshire A truly great ‘Maps & Mates’ weekend: A relaxed Friday Eve with briefing, maps, compass and orientation skills introduction. Then Saturday and Sunday …. OFF WE GO!! So informative, so much laughter, we booked to do it all again, I’ve been on three now!

Gareth Watkins

Actor - London


I have been on various expeditions with Off Grid Adventures in Dartmoor, the South Downs and also the more challenging terrain of the Peak District. Tony has an uncanny knack as a leader of engendering a positive group dynamic; the expeditions, therefore, always hit a balance between the constructive and the enjoyable. Tony’s strength as a teacher is that he supports learning at the pace and level of expertise of the individual. He is both challenging and positive. He is also very clear about safety and helps you learn how to keep yourself safe in these environments – this is also very empowering.

Well Grounded
2019-02-12T12:46:55+00:00
Actor - London I have been on various expeditions with Off Grid Adventures in Dartmoor, the South Downs and also the more challenging terrain of the Peak District. Tony has an uncanny knack as a leader of engendering a positive group dynamic; the expeditions, therefore, always hit a balance between the constructive and the enjoyable. Tony’s strength as a teacher is that he supports learning at the pace and level of expertise of the individual. He is both challenging and positive. He is also very clear about safety and helps you learn how to keep yourself safe in these environments – this is also very empowering.
0
0
Well Grounded
Go to Top