Case Studies
We have done this before.
The SHACADEMY proof library. Real projects, real venues, real delivery — the foundation behind every service we offer.
Belmont is where it started. The SHAC proves it works. Buckland Park Lake proves it can be applied successfully in the real world.
Featured case studies
The proof at the core
Flagship Case Study — The Foundation Story
The SHAC
The operational story behind SHACADEMY — built, run and developed over more than a decade.
Read the case study →Flagship Case Study — Real-World Application
Buckland Park Lake
From former sand quarry to one of the UK's best-known inland outdoor activity venues.
Read the case study →Supporting case studies
Where the work has been done
Origin Story
Belmont School
Where many of the philosophies, approaches and early ideas that later evolved into The SHAC first emerged.
Read more →Event Creation Case Study
GLAGLA UK
Conceived, founded and developed into one of the UK's most established winter paddle events.
Read more →Production & Brand Support Case Study
Mustang Survival
Water safety, location support and production delivery for an international outdoor brand.
Read more →Partnership Delivery Case Study
National Trust Delivery Projects
Stand up paddleboarding lessons, guided river journeys and operational delivery on National Trust waterways and land.
Read more →Leadership & Expedition Case Study
Yukon 1000
1,000 miles of self-supported wilderness paddling — leadership, decision-making and resilience under real conditions.
Read more →Case Study — A Digital Member of the Team
Ask Matt
Capturing an organisation's knowledge and making it available to visitors through natural, guided conversation.
Read more →Current Initiatives & Projects In Development
Work in progress
These are current ventures and innovation projects — not delivered case studies. They show where SHACADEMY is investing its own time and thinking.
Developing
Weirwood
An early-stage venue development opportunity being explored alongside partners.
Developing
We Are Wild
A developing project converging nature, adventure, learning, music, creativity and community into one integrated outdoor experience.
In development
SmartBand
A developing operational platform for participant management, safety, communication and operational efficiency across outdoor venues and events.
In development
Race Mode
A developing event management and timing framework focused on participation events in paddle sport and endurance environments.
In development
SHACADEMY Qualification Framework Development
Ongoing work to shape practical, defensible qualification frameworks that match real-world outdoor delivery.