Dusty Trails is a small family business run by Matt and Sam. Matt & Sam have been working in education for over 12 years and are now using their love of education and the outdoors to run Dusty Trails.

Matt Weston
Matt WestonEducation Consultant / Director
Matt began his career in the industrial sector, applying his strong attention to detail to quality assurance, risk assessment, and auditing. In the early 2000s, he transitioned into training, developing and delivering successful programs for industry professionals. Since moving into education, Matt has dedicated himself to training, coaching, and providing Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for both Initial Teacher Training (ITT) candidates and experienced educators.

Currently serving as the Head of Science and Design Technology at KGA Brune Park, Matt leads a team of 26 staff members to innovate the Science curriculum and elevate student outcomes. As a Science and STEM coach and consultant, he has collaborated with STEM Learning, the University of Southampton, the University of Portsmouth, St George's SLP, and Encyclopaedia Britannica to deliver bespoke Teaching & Learning CPD for schools. More recently, his work has expanded internationally, consulting with governments, industries, and universities to develop national curriculums and schemes in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Maths (STEAM).

Despite his broader leadership roles, Matt still deeply enjoys tutoring KS3 and GCSE Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. He is passionate about helping students build both their foundational understanding and their confidence. One of the most rewarding pieces of feedback he receives from students is, "Thank you for making me believe I can do Science."

A lifelong outdoor enthusiast, Matt spends his spare time hiking, canoeing, cycling, and practicing bushcraft. Having worked closely with BushcraftUK and Forest Knights, his goal is to merge his teaching expertise with his love of the outdoors. He aims to teach new generations relevant outdoor content while helping them develop vital personal skills, including communication, leadership, problem-solving, and resilience.

To support this outdoor work, Matt is a qualified Lowland Expedition Leader (LEL) and a Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Assessor up to the Gold level, having led and managed DofE groups for over 20 years.

Because safety is paramount, Matt ensures his medical training is highly advanced. He has qualified as a Wilderness Expedition Medical Technician with WEMSI, holds his FREC 3 (First Response Emergency Care) certificate, and is actively working towards FREC 4 to better prepare for leading groups in the UK and abroad. Drawing on this extensive medical expertise, Matt also delivers a variety of certified first aid courses, including Emergency First Aid at Work, First Aid at Work, Paediatric First Aid and Outdoor First Aid, alongside bespoke training packages tailored to specific client needs. Finally, as an advanced motorcyclist holding RoSPA at the Gold level, Matt volunteers with Unity Support Riders, SERV Wessex, and Forest Knights, utilizing his riding and first-aid skills to support local events.

Sam Weston
Sam WestonEducation Consultant / Director
Sam is an education consultant who works for the University of Southampton and St Georges SLP to provide a needs analysis and bespoke CPD on developing Science education in Primary and Secondary schools. Sam also teaches Biology at Peter Symonds and tutors students at Chamberlayne College for the Arts.
Sam has a huge love of the outdoors and started her career working for the Environment Agency before training as a Science teacher. Sam has also recently gained her level 3 Forest Schools qualification and uses her passion for the environment and her knowledge of Science and STEM to offer innovative ways of teaching Science to all abilities.