About Us
Grounded in experience. Designed for real change.
Founded by veterans, Root Cause Project offers practical, experience-led support for the military community, built on real understanding of life during and beyond service.
The Root Cause Project was founded by veterans who understand the realities of military life both during service and beyond.
North Devon is home to a significant military community. While support exists, it doesn’t always reflect the lived experience of those it’s designed for.
We created Root Cause Project to offer something different – support that feels grounded, relevant and understood.
Sometimes, being around others who understand military life creates the space for conversations to happen, naturally and without pressure.
We create space for individuals to step back, reconnect and begin to make sense of their experiences, without pressure, expectation or the need to explain.
Our work is experience-led and grounded in practical environments, where bushcraft and survival are used as tools to support focus, adaptability and resilience.
Combining lived military experience with expertise in resilience, mental health, teaching and bushcraft, we deliver support that is structured in intent and responsive in delivery. This allows us to meet people where they are, creating space for meaningful, lasting change.
It is a different kind of space, one that supports resilience, connection and lasting change across the military community.
Why Bushcraft & Survival
Bushcraft and survival create real, grounded situations where focus, adaptability and clear thinking come into play.
They are not the outcome but a powerful tool within the process, helping individuals understand how they respond under pressure and how to respond differently.
Supporting The Next Generation
While our core work supports veterans, serving personnel and their families, we recognise that building resilience, confidence and connection starts early.
Through our Small Roots, Tender Shoots programme, we support children from Armed Forces families through bushcraft, outdoor learning and practical experiences that help them develop confidence, strengthen relationships and build a sense of belonging.
Delivered by veterans who are also qualified teachers and Forest School practitioners, the programme combines education expertise, outdoor learning and an understanding of military life to support the next generation of the Armed Forces community.
Meet The Team
Roy – Founder/Director
A former Royal Navy Commando Medic. Roy brings over 20 years of experience working within mental health crisis teams, alongside a background in teaching and education.
His approach combines practical experience with professional training, including Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, EMDR (Level 2) and mindfulness practice.
Roy holds a BA (Hons) in Professional Practice (Education), with a specialism in child development and behaviour for learning, and is a qualified teacher.
Roli – Founder/Director
An accomplished survival instructor with experience working alongside the Royal Marines and Army Cadets. Roli brings a depth of experience in bushcraft, survival and traditional craft.
Roli is also a green woodworker and working blacksmith, his work plays a key role in creating the practical, grounded environments that support focus, adaptability and real-world resilience.
Pete – Director
A former Officer Commanding the Guards Adventure Training Wing, Pete has led demanding climbing and canoeing expeditions worldwide, from Alaska and Nepal to the Alps, operating in some of the most challenging mountain and wilderness environments.
Pete’s specialist skills lie in carving, ropework, whittling, and shelter building, underpinned by a practical, hands-on approach that builds confidence in others.
Chris – Associate Facilitator
A former Royal Logistic Corps serviceman, Chris moved into outdoor education following his military career. He now works as a Forest School Practitioner and Sergeant Instructor with the Devon Army Cadet Force, delivering practical, experience-led outdoor learning.
His work is anchored in bushcraft and traditional skills, with a particular interest in aboriginal-style tool making and ancient craft techniques. Chris uses these practices to create grounded, hands-on experiences that build confidence, resilience and connection to nature.
Clive – Associate Facilitator
A former Royal Marines Commando, Clive moved into education and estates management following his military career. He is actively involved in veteran support and is a founding member of the Commando Shuffle, raising funds for the Royal Marines Association, where he also serves on his local committee.
Clive is a Level 3 Forest School Practitioner working alongside teaching staff to deliver outdoor learning. With experience in expedition leadership, sailing, shelter building and outdoor cooking. Clive uses practical, hands-on learning to build confidence, resilience and connection through the outdoors.
Hooper – Morale Officer
Hooper plays a small but important role in the day-to-day feel of Root Cause Project.
As Roli’s dog, he’s often found close by offering a calm(ish) presence, a bit of character, and, more often than not, a warm welcome
Our work is shaped by lived military experience and delivered by a team who understand the realities of service life, bringing together practical skills, professional expertise and a grounded, human approach.
Join a fully funded session, refer someone, or work with us.
Contact Us
Tel: 07 719 369 815
5 Clinton Terrace, Barnstaple, EX32 9BN
Company Number:14464872