About Us
Steps Ahead combines 40 years of experience working within education, a knowledge of how creativity inspires and a passion to nurture and protect the planet. We believe there is no time like the present to be providing enriching opportunities through nature and creativity to promote the wellbeing of each and every one of us.
Laura Bowen-Davies
Founder and Creative Director
Laura contributed her excellent experience as a professional dancer when she joined the educational sector over 20 years ago. She launched Steps Ahead arts in education to introduce creative arts into a number of schools in 1999 and has made a huge difference to countless children’s lives ever since. Laura’s role as creative Director at The Hive Nature School focuses on the fusion of creativity in nature to bring joy and uplift as well as offer moments of quiet contemplation and reflection.
Viv Stevens
Founder and Educational Director
Viv’s career in education spans more than 30 years. She has held senior roles as headteacher for over half this time, and her dedication to education continues in her role as educational director at Steps Ahead Life CIC. At the Hive Nature school Viv enjoys imparting her knowledge knowing what a difference creativity and nature can have on individual’s wellbeing and a readiness to grow and learn.
Tom Rae
Director
Darcy
Inspiration
Animals have a wonderful way of reminding us the importance of nature connections to lift our spirit and be more present in each and every single day. It was on one of Darcy’s walks that we first discovered this idyllic nature base. Good girl Darcy Dog!
Laura Bowen-Davies
Founder and Creative Director
Laura contributed her excellent experience as a professional dancer when she joined the educational sector over 20 years ago. She launched Steps Ahead arts in education to introduce creative arts into a number of schools in 1999 and has made a huge difference to countless children’s lives ever since. Laura’s role as creative Director at The Hive Nature School focuses on the fusion of creativity in nature to bring joy and uplift as well as offer moments of quiet contemplation and reflection.
Viv Stevens
Founder and Educational Director
Viv’s career in education spans more than 30 years. She has held senior roles as headteacher for over half this time, and her dedication to education continues in her role as educational director at Steps Ahead Life CIC. At the Hive Nature school Viv enjoys imparting her knowledge knowing what a difference creativity and nature can have on individual’s wellbeing and a readiness to grow and learn.
Tom Rae
Director
Tom brings to the role a wealth of commercial marketing experience, with a focus on corporate social responsibility, as well as knowledge of the local voluntary landscape in his capacity as Southend Round Table Chairman, Southend Community Fund Vice Chair and an ‘industry champion’ with Southend-on-Sea City Council.
Darcy
Inspiration
Animals have a wonderful way of reminding us the importance of nature connections to lift our spirit and be more present in each and every single day. It was on one of Darcy’s walks that we first discovered this idyllic nature base. Good girl Darcy Dog!
What we do
Steps Ahead provide a blend of Educational, Wellbeing, Creative and Environmental programmes at The Hive for all ages and abilities.
Our Approach
Creativity is at the heart of everything we do – supporting our belief that ‘Creative Journeys ‘- do indeed have the ability to lead to ‘Colourful Destinations’
Our specialists
Steps Ahead specialists are all DBS checked and share a passion for providing immersive experiences in nature to inspire and engage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are you located?
We are located at Wellbeing@ Garon Park.
What will I need to wear?
Please refer to our Kit list in our pre visitor pack.
Do you stay open in bad weather?
We are open come rain or shine - however if dangerous weather forces us to close we will notify you as soon as possible to reschedule your visit.
Click on the numbers on our map
Our Partners
Steps Ahead Life CIC works in partnership with Wellbeing Garon Park.
