Open Ground was started by Sam Harrison.  Sam was born in rural Suffolk and was raised on a small-holding, working on various farms.  He gained an MA in philosophy from Cambridge in 2001, and an MSc with distinction in Human Ecology in 2006.  This course brought together community learning, eco-psychology, and economics, among many other topics, and with an emphasis on engaged active study inspired the founding of Open Ground. 

Sam has traveled extensively in the mountain regions of the world, climbing, exploring and working with local organizations.  However, more recently he has been concentrating on the areas around his home - the Highlands and Islands of Scotland which offer endless interest and possibility for place-based education.

With qualifications in rock-climbing, hill-walking and skiing, and emergency first aid, Sam worked extensively as freelancer for various charities who work in personal and social development for inner city youth, before developing the projects currently delivered by Open Ground.

Sam continues to have a strong interest in researching and evaluating outdoor learning, and is currently studying part time for a PhD in Place-Based Education at Moray House, Edinburgh University.  This provides a useful counterpart for projects with Open Ground, allowing for development and reflection on this work.