Meet the Team

Lee Russell, Bushscout.UK Team Leader (National Manager)

Lee returned to Scouting when his oldest child joined Beavers, and now supports Bushscout.UK nationally while also volunteering locally with 20th Worcester. An engineer by background, Lee loves the crossover between science and the outdoors, especially primitive technology, resourcefulness, and human ingenuity. You will often find him at the “knot station in disguise” at events, bringing cordage, tarps, and practical problem solving to life.

Dave Cook, Bushscout Cymru Team Leader & UK Leadership Team

Dave first joined Cubs in the 80s, returned to Scouting as a parent helper, and became a leader in 2016. He joined Bushscout in 2019 and helped launch Bushscout Cymru, supporting leaders across Wales to build confidence in practical skills and safe, engaging programme delivery. Dave’s love of traditional skills grew from wanting better training routes for knife safety and bushcraft. By day, he is a Senior Product Manager at BT, and by weekend he is happiest coaxing an ember into flame.

Ian Dugdale, Bushscout.UK Leadership Team

Ian originally started Scouting in 1989 and after a break, returned as a volunteer when his eldest became a Beaver. His roles have included founding an Explorer Unit, serving as Group Scout Leader, an LTM and DCC Programme. With a Fine Art degree and a long career in education, Ian brings strong people development skills and a calm, team building approach. His Bushscout journey grew from an interest in survival skills, and he loves creating spaces where others can grow.

Valerie Hagan, Bushscout.UK Leadership Team

Valerie has 20+ years in Scouting and supports leaders and young people through Bushscout.UK and her work as a County First Aid Trainer. She is a Bushscout tomahawk instructor and is known for her energy, practical support, and willingness to get stuck in wherever needed, from events and training days to behind the scenes organisation. Outside Scouting, Valerie works in HR in Social Care, supporting recruitment and policy.

Melanie Grenfell, Bushscout.UK Leadership Team

Mel brings deep experience in outdoor learning, bushcraft, and skills instruction. After a long teaching career she founded Wildly Curious, delivering bushcraft, archery, and traditional skills, and training outdoor professionals. She holds the Bushcraft Competency Diploma and is part of the IOL Bushcraft Professional Practice Group. As Base Champions Lead, Mel supports the Base Champions network to help us deliver consistent, high quality experiences across regions.

Helen Russell, Bushscout.UK Leadership Team

Helen has been in Scouting for over 10 years and has focused on making outdoor skills accessible for leaders at all levels. In 2017 she revitalised a struggling Scout section by putting practical skills and bushcraft at the heart of the programme, growing confidence and participation along the way. Her own bushcraft journey began with self study, followed by a residential bushcraft and survival course and Bushscout skills days. Helen is passionate about helping adults and young people feel capable outdoors.

Max Hemingway, Bushscout.UK Leadership Team

Max has been a Scout Leader since 2011 and helps deliver skills days and events in the North West. With strong IT expertise and a long standing passion for tracking and practical outdoor skills, Max shares knowledge through Scouts, workshops, and his “Sparrowhawk Bushcraft” work. He loves helping others grow confidence outdoors, whether that is fire lighting, shelter building, foraging, or simply learning to read the ground and move well in the field.

Natalie Elliott, Bushscout.UK Leadership Team

Natalie is based in Basingstoke, Hampshire, and joined Scouting as a parent helper, later becoming a Beaver Leader, Cub Leader, and Group Scout Leader. She is passionate about learning and development, and has grown her group significantly, including expanding sections during challenging periods. Professionally, Natalie leads national training projects and brings strong experience in volunteer development, delivery, and building confident teams. She believes every leader should have access to practical skills.

Tony Peters, Bushscout.UK Leadership Team

Tony joined Scouting in 2007 when his son became a member, having been a member of the Woodcraft Folk as a youth and developing a strong connection to the outdoors. He has held a range of Scouting roles and joined Bushscout in 2016, where he helped develop the axe and saw base. His interest in tomahawks began in 2017 at one of the early Bushscout courses, leading to him delivering sessions across his County and becoming one of Bushscout’s first Red Shirts. As Tomahawk Lead, he supports coordinators and instructors across the UK.