Di Collins has a broad experience in education. After fourteen years teaching in a primary school, she became a youthwork coordinator. She then became a freelance facilitator and consultant working with organisations ranging from Play England to the National Health Service and Community, Youthwork and Play Services. She has also been an associate lecturer on outdoor education, youthwork and community development degree services. She was awarded a Churchill Fellowship to travel to Australia to explore making connections with nature and the outdoors. Her research interests are related to aspects of place and the promotion of access to nature and the outdoors. She is a Duke of Edinburgh Award assessor. She now enjoys exploring landscapes creatively, through wandering, writing, photography and painting.