“Anything you can do to uncover new ideas of things everyone can do, that enables them to feel that they are part of the (climate, nature, wellbeing) solution, rather than the problem, that is fun, easy, affordable, contagious, and that they can do today, will go down a storm! Easy, no??”

I’m conscious that so far I’ve written about various problems, but Dom would advise me to focus on solutions. As always, I’d really love to hear your thoughts and ideas too.

So today I thought I’d share a list of organisations, projects, charities etc., where volunteers get to spend time in the outdoors whilst also doing something with value/purpose. It can be hard to get motivated to pack it up, pack it in and begin all by ourselves. If you can think of other examples, please add them to this thread.

• @SlowWaysUK is creating a network of 9,000 walking routes that connect all of the UK’s towns and cities.
• @WildLondon has volunteering days, sorting stuff out in the woods etc.
• @RamblersGB has 180 path maintenance teams across Britain. And thousands of volunteers leading walks, surveying paths, and creating new green routes through cities.
• Britain in Bloom has many community gardening groups.
• @TheParksTrust has volunteers working with diverse teams from biodiversity to health Wales, and outdoor learning.
• @UKMensSheds bring older men together to stay healthier and happier for longer through making, mending, learning , and drinking tea – outdoors and indoors!
• @ScotWildlife on Eigg hosts volunteers over the summer.
• @WeWalkandTalk in Merton and Wandsworth bring together people of all ages and backgrounds for a walk and a chat.
• @ParkRunUK welcomes volunteer helpers as much as runners.
• Becoming a @scouts leader.
• @DofE helps you build lifelong self-belief, take on challenges, follow your passions, and discover new talents – so you’re ready for anything.
• All the clubs who are part of @GBRorienteering.
• @goodgym and @groundworkuk have projects / groups across the country. Plus all the city farms, community gardens and litter picking crews doing brilliant things in their communities.
• @CoopEdinburgh does this to create a new long term food-growing, community and biodiversity project.
• The LGAP network connects organisations in Leeds that deliver nature-based activities to improve health and well-being.
• The Curious School of the Wild supports people on low incomes and living in poverty to be able to access the benefits of the outdoors and lead good outdoor lives.

There are also some fine groups that focus on helping people get out and have adventures. If you can think of other examples, please add them to this thread.

• Love Her Wild offers opportunities and inspiration to help women find more adventure in their lives. Whatever shape or form that may take.
• Adventure Queens is a women’s adventure community aiming to remove the barriers stopping women from getting out on adventures.
• Explorers Connect is a community for adventurers.
• Black Girls Hike is diversifying the outdoors, providing opportunities for Black women to explore and reconnect with nature.
• Muslim Hikers champions diversity in the outdoors.
• The Wanderlust Women is a hiking and adventure group for Muslim women.
• OutdoorLads runs a range of sociable outdoor activities for gay, bi and trans guys.
• Brit Exploring is a world class youth development charity founded on the belief that challenging experiences in remote locations can change lives.
• Outward Bound provides outdoor education programs for youth and adults, focusing on personal development and team building through challenging outdoor adventures.
• 1000 Hours Outside is the global platform to reclaim childhood and reconnect families.

As always, I’d really love to hear your thoughts and ideas too. What topics would you like me to address?

Thank you,

Al

• If you’d like to read more articles about Adventure + Purpose, please sign up for my free weekly newsletter here.