About Us
For teens and adults, Flow Learning can be difficult to attain. We have seen a child in a sand pit, utterly absorbed by his work.
At 4 Elements this is what we aim for: to create as many opportunities as possible to completely lose yourself in the moment.
To enter the yearned-for flow state 🐉
Here, you learn deeply, meaningfully and naturally.
That is is why we have built this wild & nurturing setting.
“to grip and grasp” describes the distinctive style of learning outdoors
Direct physical contact with natural and cultural phenomena increases the authenticity in learning ... We learn not only by seeing and hearing but also by smelling, feeling, tasting and touching
Our Outdoor Learning philosophy delivers outstanding results. The guiding principles encourage and inspire individuals to grow through an innovative, curious, and often collaborative approach to activity. It’s about playing, exploring, experimenting—and embracing the mistakes along the way.
As the Spanish say, meter la pata!
Our 4 Elements Galicia philosophy embodies this mindset, continuously evolving and adapting over time. Thanks to our proven successes, we stand proudly and confidently by our belief: there’s no better way to learn than by diving in headfirst, falling flat on your face, and then getting back up again!
Now, we’re on a mission to share this transformative experience with as many children and families as possible.
- We are a place where even the smallest children will learn to communicate in a foreign language without shyness
- We are a place where language and nature are appreciated equally
- We are a place where personal growth happens naturally in a liberating environment
Founders
Francis Heybrook
Co-Founder, Director
BA Hispanic and Iberian Studies, University College London. Forest School Leader, CELTA teacher, certified in Forest School and Paediatric First Aid, and Open Water Lifeguard. With over 20 years of experience working with children, Francis has run workshops and educational projects focused on biodiversity, environmental education, Forest School sessions, and nature camps. A father of four, he is deeply passionate about connecting children with nature and enhancing everyone’s love for the outdoors.
Diana Díaz
Co-Founder, Creative Director
Dynamic and bilingual professional with a BA in Hispanic Studies and extensive experience as an editor of educational English teaching materials for leading publishers in the UK and Argentina. A creative individual with a passion for education who thrives on the conception of effective learning scenarios for children. As a dedicated mother of four brings flexibility, open-mindedness, and a collaborative spirit to all endeavours. A shared love for nature inspires outdoor pursuits, including hiking and yoga, while an artistic side shines through in creative works. A successful co-leader behind this project, demonstrates courage and reliability in bringing visions to life.
The Founders' Story
Francis and Diana’s journey began as students at University College London, where their shared passion for Iberian and Latin American Studies sparked a lifelong partnership and a shared dream: to create a life rooted in nature, learning, and community.
Diana pursued a successful career as an editor for a global publishing house, with assignments in Oxford, Mexico, and Argentina. Meanwhile, Francis tried life in the corporate world, working on sustainability projects in the early days of carbon emissions management. Yet, the pull of the natural world, where he spent his childhood on a Buckinghamshire farm, proved irresistible.
His involvement with Siren Conservation Education, an Oxford-based charity dedicated to educating a love for nature, inspired Francis to organize hands-on workshops at his family farm and outdoor adventures for children. These experiences—wild camping parties, foraging, and building with natural materials—cemented his belief in the importance of education, play, and nature to enhance not only human lives, but also nature.
Diana and Francis knew they had to find a place that embodied this vision. Galicia, Spain’s rugged and remote northwestern corner, offered everything they dreamed of: dramatic coastlines, untouched wilderness, and a landscape rich with opportunity for discovery. They set to work restoring an abandoned stone farmhouse nestled at the end of a woodland track, turning it into a sanctuary for learning, connection, and creativity.
Over 15 years, they rebuilt not just a home, but a dream. Eco-friendly construction, outdoor cooking areas, gardens, a spa, and a multipurpose space now welcome visitors from near and far to immerse themselves in nature. Alongside raising their four children, Francis and Diana have created 4 Elements Galicia—a space where every experience becomes a “memory banked for life,” leaving visitors inspired to carry lessons from the natural world into their own lives.
The journey hasn’t been easy, but their vision is clear: to share the transformative power of wild places, nurturing a deeper connection to nature that can inspire people to make the world a better place.
Team
Carolina Ramos
Summer Camp Manager and Theatre Guide
Carolina brings to camp over 20 years of experience leading theatrical, active classroom, and online educational programs—including international summer camps for Spanish kids in Canada. A certified English teacher, actor and curriculum designer, she holds a BA in Theatre and two Master’s degrees in Dramatic Literature and Secondary Education (English-focused). With an infectious sense of fun, Carolina inspires creativity and joy that shine throughout camp life. She expertly blends structure, imagination, and nature-based learning.
Lalo Mazari
Teacher Trainer, Spanish Teaching Guide
Montessori Guide, 20 years experience working as a Montessori Guide and Emotional Intelligence Trainer for teachers and families in schools in Mexico, Los Angeles and Santiago de Compostela.
We collaborate with
Aldea
Surf Camp
Surf sessions
CDM piragüismo
Dumbria
Canoeing sessions
Language Coaching and Performing Arts
Theatre sessions
