Meet the Team at Wray Valley
Welcome to Wray Valley! We’re Kevin and Michelle, the proud owners of this beautiful retreat since January 2019. Our goal in taking on this venture was to spend more time together, enjoy the outdoors, and immerse ourselves in the stunning Dartmoor landscape. We’d like to introduce you to our team both the humans and the animals.
Our Vision
When we first arrived, we saw the potential in transforming the property from a well-loved family home into a sustainable and biodiverse haven for visitors. Although it needed some TLC, we were excited to roll up our sleeves and get to work.
As passionate walkers, campers, and travellers, we know the value of connecting with nature and strive to provide an environment where our guests can do the same. We’re committed to running Wray Valley sustainably, benefitting both our visitors and the local ecosystem. Read our Green Story and our Sustainability Journey here.
But there’s more to us than meets the eye – we’re also enthusiastic Cuban salsa dancers! When we’re not working on the grounds or assisting guests, you might find us swaying to the rhythmic beats of salsa music.
We invite you to explore Wray Valley and discover the beauty of this special place alongside our dedicated human and animal team members. Learn more about each of us below.
Meet the Human Team
Meet Kevin: Chartered IT Professional, Mountain Leader & Nature Enthusiast
Kevin’s journey with Dartmoor began during his time at Bristol University in the 1980s. His love for the area led him to establish and manage an outdoor activity centre in Hexworthy for a decade. These days, his passion for hill walking takes him on adventures across the UK, Europe, and beyond.
As a qualified Mountain Leader and a dedicated member of the Dartmoor Search and Rescue Ashburton team since 2010, Kevin’s expertise in navigating the great outdoors is invaluable. He actively shares his knowledge with the younger generation through his involvement with Scouts, facilitating activities and expeditions, including the Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) scheme for 14-25 year olds.
Professionally, Kevin is a Chartered IT Professional and Chartered Engineer. He offers his expertise as a consultant for a local engineering firm, troubleshooting software for their water system data loggers.
At Wray Valley, Kevin takes care of hands-on maintenance tasks and handles bookkeeping. When he’s not managing the behind-the-scenes work, you can find him leading guided walks and teaching navigation skills to our visitors.
Meet Michelle: Retired Environment Consultant & Multi-Talented Enthusiast
Michelle is a retired environment consultant with a rich background in sustainability. With a master’s degree in Environmental Sustainability and a bachelor’s in Geology, she’s passionate about the great outdoors.
The last 17-years of her career focused on minimising the environmental impact of nuclear waste from power stations. A Practitioner Member of the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment, Michelle’s expertise in environmental management is impressive.
Her dedication to beaver reintroduction led her to volunteer in the River Otter Beaver Trial, monitoring video footage for five years.
An avid traveler, Michelle has journeyed around the world and now leads as head gardener, cleaner, and caterer at Wray Valley. Despite being most likely to serve your breakfast, she also excels in social media marketing, website updates, and holds qualifications as a Hill and Moorland Leader, DofE Award expedition assessor, and supervisor.
Music is another passion for Michelle. She plays flute and alto saxophone in various ensembles, including the three separate groups in Tavistock.
Meet Anne: The Lodge Dweller & Safari Storyteller
Anne is a beloved member of our Wray Valley team, as well as Michelle’s mum. She resides in the lodge adjacent to the campsite, a build that commenced before the first COVID lockdown in 2020.
A retired nurse with a lifelong dedication to Girl Guiding, Anne’s love for camping is unmatched—with over 70 years of camping memories to share! Don’t be surprised if she treats you to a campfire singalong during your stay.
An Africa enthusiast, Anne will delight you with her captivating tales of safari adventures in Botswana. At Wray Valley, she’s affectionately known as the queen of the steam press, ironing bed linen for the B&B. You may also encounter Anne as your campsite guide when Michelle and Kevin are away.
Meet the Animal Team
Meet the Chickens: Our Feathered Friends & Entertainers
The Wray Valley team wouldn’t be complete without our beloved ex-battery hens! Living out their retirement in serenity, these clucky companions provide delicious eggs for our B&B guests and occasionally entertain younger campers with their antics.
Even during challenging times, such as avian flu, our feathered friends remain resilient. One unforgettable member of the flock was Vera, who famously narrated “Vera’s View”—a blog “dictated” to Michelle. Vera’s spirited personality and love for the indoors always kept us amused.
Our chickens are more than just egg-layers; they’re an integral part of the Wray Valley experience, showing that even the smallest team members make a difference!
Meet Granny & Kitty: Our Rodent Control Squad
At Wray Valley, we’ve welcomed two feline friends from the Cats Protection League (CPL) to keep our property rodent-free. Our older tortoiseshell, affectionately called Granny, can sometimes be spotted patrolling the grounds. Meanwhile, Kitty, our younger black female, seems to have ventured off on her own adventures to explore Dartmoor.
We appreciate Granny’s dedication to maintaining a balance in our ecosystem, particularly with the presence of chickens that attract rats and mice. These furry friends play an essential role in keeping our surroundings healthy and enjoyable for all visitors.
Meet Shadow: Our Shy-Yet-Playful Feline Resident
Shadow is a special member of the Wray Valley family, residing with Michelle and Kevin in the B&B. After spending his early life in an apartment, he found himself at the CPL in need of a new home. His initial time at the cattery was challenging, as he struggled to adjust to the unfamiliar environment. Luckily, he found his way to us, and we’re so glad he did!
Shadow’s early days at Wray Valley were spent hiding behind the sofa, with only his curious eyes peeking out—a trait that inspired his name. Over time, he gained confidence and revealed his playful side, favouring toys like hairbands, Christmas bows, and stars. Though he still prefers indoor comforts, he sometimes ventures outdoors when the grass is dry.
Please be understanding if you encounter Shadow; due to his past experiences, he may try to mark his territory. Kindly encourage him to return to the staff areas if he finds his way into guest spaces. Your patience and kindness will help Shadow continue to grow and feel at home in our little slice of paradise.
Don’t wait – plan your dream getaway today!