Tuesday, 31 May 2016

30 Days Wild June 2016 – Take On The Challenge!

This June, why not invite a little bit more nature into your life, and take up the 30 Days Wild challenge from The Wildlife Trusts.

30 days wild
Wildlife and wild places are closer than you think

Feel happier, healthier and more connected to nature by doing something wild every day for thirty days this June. No matter where you live – from an urban jungle to a windswept mountain – wildlife and wild places are all around, waiting to be discovered by you.

Click the link below to sign up to receive your inspirational pack, which includes goodies like Random Acts of Wildness cards – bitesize bits of wild inspiration, a beautiful badge and funky stickers to accompany a gorgeous wallchart.

Get started, and claim your inspirational pack here.

Join in the fun across social media, using the hashtag #30DaysWild on Twitter to post your wild pics.

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5 Good Reasons To Use Walking Poles

As national walking month comes to an end, if you’ve been inspired to pull on your walking boots and get out there, read on for 5 good reasons to use walking poles.

ben-lawers-walk

The first proper Lake District walk I went on, I headed to my nearest outdoor shop and in a panic, bought a bunch of things. As well as a decent pair of walking socks, on a whim (so I’d look like I knew what I was doing), I picked up some walking poles.

As we ascended Fleetiwith Pike, climbing up on challenging terrain, climbing over boulders and hauling myself ever upwards, those walking poles were an absolute delight, and I really don’t think I could have managed without them.

Leading trekking pole manufacturer Leki make high quality walking poles, and they’ve recently shared 5 great reasons to use walking poles so I thought I’d share them with you, and add some of my own experiences below.

Craghoppers kiwi trousers review

1. Walk for longer

When you use poles, they effectively distribute the weight between the upper and lower body muscles, allowing you to walk for prolonged periods of time. What’s more, recovery is faster too.

2. Walk faster

Walking to a rhythm increases your pace and can help you to effectively maintain your speed, especially when walking on tough terrain. They also make descents that bit quicker, as I find poles make me much more sure footed when heading back down hill.

3. Inject power into your walking

Poles are like a 4-wheel drive for humans, seriously. When I walk with poles I walk faster and am more sure footed.

4. Walk tall

When using poles, it aids an upright posture, especially if wearing a backpack when the tendency is to stoop forward. An upright silhouette also helps open the lungs and improve breathing.

5. A handy companion

Trekking poles have other uses too – use them to swipe away stinging nettles and brambles. My personal favourite use is for testing the depth of puddles and to gauge the firmness of boggy ground before ploughing on through…and avoiding sinking ankle deep!

So there you have it, 5 great reasons to invest in some walking poles and see just what a difference they make! Why not check out the Leki walking pole range.

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Wednesday, 25 May 2016

Aldi Adventure Camping Range In Stores From 26th May

Aldi are launching their Adventure Camping range on the 26th May, and they’ve got some great value products to choose from!

From tents, to folding BBQs, kitchen units to camping cook ware, whatever you’re after, you’ll find a great bargain in store, then next month, from 23rd June, there’s a selection of fab family camping Specialbuys arriving in store.

We’ve purchased plenty of camping gear over the years from Aldi, everything from camp beds to cookers and the quality is always excellent. Couple that with competitive prices and Aldi camping gear always delivers.

Aldi Camping SpecialBuys aldi-camping-specialbuys2  aldi-camping-specialbuys4

Aldi Adventure Camping Range in Store From 26th May 2016

DOME TENT £29.99
CAMPING BED £19.99
FOLDABLE ALUMINIUM CAMP… £17.99
SELF-INFLATING MAT £14.99
SLEEPING BAG £14.99
CAMPING COOKING SET £14.99
FOLDING BARBECUE £12.99
FOLD FLAT CHAIR £9.99
FOLDING TROLLEY £9.99
PORTABLE GAS COOKER £7.99
5W LED TREKKING TORCH £6.99
GAS CANISTER REFILL 4PK £4.99

Family Camping Range in Store From 23rd June 2016

5 MAN TENT A/B £79.99
HEAVY DUTY FOLDING TROLLEY £49.99
ELECTRIC COOLBOX A/B £39.99
HAMMOCK WITH STAND £39.99
CAMPING KITCHEN/CUPBOARD £39.99
DUAL BURNER WITH GRILL £24.99
BBQ IN A BAG £19.99
TREKKING BACKPACK £19.99
4 PERSON PICNIC BAG £19.99
FOLDING CAMPING TABLE £19.99
INFLATABLE SOFA £19.99
MOON CAMPING CHAIR £19.99
POP UP TENT £19.99
COMFORT SLEEPING BAG £17.99
SUN AWNING £14.99
4 POLE LARGE WINDBREAK £14.99
GAZEBO £14.99
LIGHTWEIGHT WALKING SHOES £14.99
DOUBLE AIR BED £12.99
ULTRA LIGHT SLEEPING BAG £12.99
MULTI PURPOSE FLOOR MATS £12.99
3 LED TENT LIGHTS £9.99
ALL PURPOSE RUCKSACK £8.99
SHOPPING BASKET £7.99
CHILDRENS TREKKING SANDALS £6.99
ELECTRIC AIR PUMP £5.99
TWIN PACK ORB LIGHT £4.99
JUNE INSTANT LIGHT CHAR… £4.49
LADIES CLOGS £3.99
MENS CLOGS £3.99
12 LED LANTERN £2.99
CAMPING HEAD TORCH £2.99
JUNE BARBECUE BRIQUETTES £2.89
150 WET WIPES £1.89
WATER BOTTLE 700ML £1.99

 

Aldi’s Specialbuys Adventure Camping range will be available in stores and online at aldi.co.uk on the 26th May and the Family Camping range is available from 23rd June – but don’t hang around they’re only available whilst stock lasts.

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Sunday, 22 May 2016

Kids Camping Store Launches – The One Stop Family Camping Shop

Aimed at young families who are about to embark on their first camping holiday, the team behind Kids Camping Store have put together a fabulous new website, packed full of handpicked family camping gear.

Kids Camping Store

Parents Glen and Amanda felt that camping would provide them with the perfect way to spend quality time with the kids, and couldn’t wait to go camping as a family. At the time they were unsure as to what they’d need for a comfortable and fun camping trip, and so together with some friends, decided to launch a new website, aimed at family campers.

campingstore

The resulting website, Kids Camping Store has just launched, and It’s packed full of camping gear that we think you’ll love!

As well as funky, yet functional kids gear, the website also includes plenty of camping essentials, all hand-picked by the team. Everything is logically organised into 6 easy categories, like sleeping and eating, making the website a pleasure to browse.

Find out more at kidscampingstore.com

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Saturday, 21 May 2016

Gigsak Multi-functional Picnic Blanket

Gigsak Review

There are currently two design options available, Gigsak Daisy £30 and the Gigsak Plaid £45, you can buy them here.

What is it?

The Gigsak is a multi-functional picnic blanket, which also doubles up as a handy rain shelter. Turn it around, and you can sit inside it to keep dry during shower. Not only that, you can use it as a blanket, so if the weather turns a bit chilly you can sit inside and wrap yourself up in it. Clever eh?

gigsak-review1

The lowdown

We take ours camping with us, and use it inside the tent, like a tent carpet. When it’s sunny and we want to lounge around outside, we move it outside the front of the tent, pop some cushions on top and hey presto, the perfect way to enjoy a picnic, BBQ or lie in the sunshine with a good book.

gigsak-review5

If you’re heading to a Last Night of the Proms or similar outdoor picnic or festival this summer, then the Gigsak would be ideal. The compact design and  long carry strap makes it easy to take with you wherever you go.

Gigsak

The verdict

From camping and picnics in the park to summer festivals, the Gigsak is a versatile picnic rug that’s great quality, and doubles up as a rain shelter. Perfect for everything that the Great British summertime can throw at you!

Buy the Gigsak online here.

Gigsak Review

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Wednesday, 18 May 2016

Suse’s Ultimate Weekend Camping Packing List

We unfortunately missed our first get-away of the year as the trip was cancelled the day before we were due to leave. It was a shame but there was a positive outcome. We finally sat down and wrote out our packing list, to make sure we collected everything up, and I thought I would share this with you.

Everyone’s camping list ends up being different, but if you’re struggling to make sense of what you’ll need to go camping, or if every packing session ends up being a bit of a panic, hopefully this will inspire or support you.

Take things off, add things on, make your list your own list. Try to keep the sections modular. It makes it easy to assemble each section ready to go in the car and easy to take out sections if not required for particular trips.

Suse’s Ultimate Weekend Camping Packing List

Want a version you can print? Download the camping packing list here.

Sleeping things

  • Queen size double high air mattress
  • Single air mattress
  • Single camp bed (not required if using pop up tent)
  • Car powered air pump (main)
  • Battery powered air pump (backup)
  • D size batteries for battery powered air pump
  • Pillows
  • Duvets
  • Sleeping bags
  • Blankets

Breakfast at Canvas and Clover

Don’t forget everything you need to create tasty camping meals

Cooking things

  • Gas stove
  • Gas for gas stove
  • Matches in a zip lock bag
  • A second box of matches in a separate zip lock bag
  • Cooking pan (we use a large saute pan)
  • Saucepan
  • Frying pan
  • Ladle
  • Slotted spoon
  • Spatula
  • Cooking tongs
  • Scissors
  • Sharp knife and chopping board

Audi A3 packed for camping trip

Packing the car for a camping trip

Hygiene things

  • Bowl big enough to wash up in (I use a large enamel bowl, which can be also used for food prep)
  • Washing up liquid
  • Sponge scourer
  • Tea towels
  • Bin bags
  • Towels
  • Toilet roll
  • Toothbrushes
  • Toothpaste
  • Hair brush
  • Shower gel if there is a shower on site
  • Baby wipes/ Wet wipes if there is not a shower on site
  • Portable toilet if likely to be far from the site toilet
  • Toilet tent if taking the portable toilet *

*Make sure tent pegs and mallet get taken even if the main tents do not

Eating and Drinking things

  • Groceries – remember to get pull top tins or take a tin opener
  • Squash
  • Tea – coffee – sugar – sweeteners – a teaspoon – milk or milk substitute – cocoa powder
  • Water carrier
  • Big jug
  • Kettle
  • Enamelware – mugs, plates, bowls. (always take an extra plate for raw things to go on during food prep)
  • Cutlery – forks – knives – spoons
  • Folding kitchen unit

sleeping bag

A sleeping bag paired with a duvet makes for a snug sleep

Lighting things

  • Fully charged heavy duty lantern
  • 4 x metal candle lanterns
  • Tea lights for candle lanterns
  • Glowsticks
  • Small torch

Staying dry things

  • Waterproofs for everyone
  • Wellingtons
  • Waterproof hiking boots
  • Umbrellas
  • Beach shelter *
  • Canvas awning *
  • Canvas awning poles & guy lines *

*Make sure tent pegs and mallet get taken even if the main tents do not

Furniture & Tent things

  • Bell tent: canvas, groundsheet, poles, pegs, mallet
  • Pop up tent
  • Folding chairs x 3
  • Folding tables x 2

camping packing list

Toiletry miniatures packed ready for camping

Personal things: each person to bring

  • Base layers
  • Underwear
  • Plenty of socks
  • Clothing – lots of layers
  • Footwear
  • Their own bag of Things to Do

Random Things

  • Thermometer
  • Fully charged power monkeys
  • Car charger for phones
  • Camera – 2 x fully charged batteries – 2 x lenses – camera bag – memory cards – tripod
  • Wildlife book
  • First aid
  • Sun protection
  • Insect repellant
  • Chemical ice pack
  • Sterilising wipes
  • Vitamins
  • Prescribed medications
  • Plasters
  • Tick twister
  • Germoline/Brulidene ointment
  • Paracetamol
  • Ibuprofen

Want a version you can print? Grab the printer friendly camping packing list here.

Things to note

If you pack a sharp knife, wrap it carefully and know where it is packed. We wrap ours in a tea towel and put it inside the enamel jug, if we need one for chopping veg. More often, we take ready prepared veg and if necessary cut meat on site with scissors for ease and safety.

Keep all first aid items together. Make sure everyone old enough to access it knows where it is and everyone too young can’t get at it accidentally.

If you are camping with small children, keep the first aid items and anything sharp put safely away.

Have fun. Enjoy it!

 

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Monday, 16 May 2016

Win An EasyCamp Tribal Colour Tipi Festival Tent

With the summer festival season not too far away, we’ve teamed up with EasyCamp to bring you the chance to win a funky Tribal Colour Tipi Tent. Read on to find out how to enter.

easycamp-tribal-tipi-tent04

The Prize

EasyCamp Tribal Colour Tipi Tent Worth £89.99

Sleeping four in a fast pitching design, the distinctive style of the versatile single wall Tipi tent combines a retro look, using an easy-pitch centre pole, with a full mesh door, multiple guylines for stability, taped seams, integral groundsheet and an apex cowl over efficient venting. The Tipi Tribal Colour comes with a striking print with a contemporary ‘pre-washed’ effect.

Find out more about the tent here.

easycamp-tribal-tipi-tent02 easycamp-tribal-tipi-tent03

EasyCamp Tribal Tipi Tent How To Enter

Visit the EasyCamp website, and tell us what your two favourite EasyCamp products are in the comments section below. It’s as easy as that!

Terms & Conditions

  • Competition closes 5pm GMT Monday 30th May 2016
  • No cash alternative offered
  • Camping with Style reserve the right to amend or withdraw this competition at any time
  • Winner will be randomly drawn after the closing date
  • Competition open to UK residents only
  • Prize supplied by EasyCamp

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Sunday, 15 May 2016

Canvas and Clover Eco Glamping in Gloucester

Canvas and Clover Glamping

Despite having heaps of camping gear, and a tent for every occasion, no matter how much we love camping, we do still sometimes crave an easier weekend break, that allows us to fit in a bit more relaxation. So when Wendy at Canvas and Clover got in touch and invited us for a stay, we were delighted to accept.

Where did we go?

Canvas and Clover Eco Friendly Glamping
Rowe Farm Bungalow, Ockeridge Lane, Holt Heath, Worcester WR6 6LY
Friday 13th – Sunday 15th May 2016
canvasandclover.com

The location

I always seem to forget just how close to us Gloucestershire is, and we made it there from Cheshire, in well under 2 hours. It’s an incredibly pretty region, In fact I’d go so far as saying that in my opinion, it’s one of the UK’s most under rated counties.

Gloucester Glamping

Some of the bell tents, at Canvas and Clover

The site was easy to find, and as we left the road and turned into the bumpy track leading to the farm, I immediately felt a sense of calm. The windows were down, music was off, and all we could hear was bird song and the distant hum of farm machinery.

canvasandclover01

Despite their insanely busy schedule, both Wendy and Matt took time out on several occasions for us, chatting to us at length about their life together, the farm and the decisions which lead to them launching Canvas and Clover.

Canvas and Clover Tent Number 3

Bell tent number 3 that we stayed in

Nearly 2 years in the planning, the glamping accommodation is set within a 5 acre field, bordered on all sides with beautiful countryside views, making for an idyllic setting.

The Glamping Accommodation

Launching with 10 bell tents, each with it’s own recycled fire pit, cooking facilities, picnic bench, there is heaps of open space, and even at full occupancy, they’ve located the tents to make sure you’ll never feel too-close to neighbours, or too far away from the kids as they run around the enormous field kicking balls and having fun.

Inside our Canvas and Clover Bell Tent

Inside the bell tent

A warm welcome at Canvas and Clover Gloucester

The locally sourced goodies waiting for us on arrival, the biscuits were divine!

Facilities

As well as the individual facilities, there is an amenity block at one end of the field, near the car park and next to the rustic covered seating area. There is a big sink outside for washing up, along with warm and cosy mens and ladies toilet and shower facilities.

Canvas and Clover Glamping Facilities

The main facilities

There was no additional charge for the showers, and I liked that they were not separate, much more like a home en-suite with the loo, shower and sink together in the same room, which always makes life easier as far as I’m concerned.

canvas-and-clover-glamping-bathroom

One of the shower rooms

There is a small on-site shop, selling basics in case you forget something and don’t want to leave site. We loved the little woodland area, and after reading the welcome pack inside our tent, headed straight there to hunt for the 10 fairy doors, we only managed 8 though!

Fairy doors in the woods

One of the 10 fairy doors dotted around the woodland

Out and About

The weather could not have been better, and we were blessed with sunshine on all 3 days. Part of me wanted to simply laze outside of the tent reading, but we always try to get to know an area when we stay anywhere, so instead of just sitting in the sunshine we ventured out.

Cob Barn, Worcester

Alpacas at Cob Barn

Cob Barn was very close by, and gave us the opportunity to look at Alpacas, stroke Reindeer and eat ice cream. Top Barn Farm Shop was next on our list, and we had a mooch around and bought some meat for the evening BBQ. Then we headed off into Malvern (a beautiful town!), and up into the Malvern Hills for a short walk.

Malvern Hills

Check out the awesome views in the Malvern Hills

We’ve been wanting to walk in the Malvern Hills for ages now, as we visited the area twice last year and didn’t get the chance to do any real walking.With the weather so beautiful, this time we had no excuse, so decided to spend the afternoon walking.

Malvern Hills

We parked up at British Camp and headed upwards towards the Iron Age Fort and then across the tops of the undulating hills with stunning views, before heading back down towards the car, and the 40 minute drive back to site.

Malvern Hills

You can see more pictures form our walk in the Malvern Hills over on Flickr.

Our Verdict

The location is idyllic, there are plenty of things to do that are only a short drive away and there are country pubs withing walking distance. The glamping accommodation itself is very well appointed and made for a comfortable stay, and we love the eco friendly ethos that runs through all they do, from the recycled fire pits, through to their use of sustainable energy.

canvas-and-clover-glamping-view

Gloucester Glamping

You’re immersed in nature, and we loved the simplicity of doing little more in the evening than sitting around the fire, chatting (OK, and in my case drinking Gin), and pointing out and identifying the various wildlife noises.

We heard foxes, spotted buzzards and were joyfully perplexed two nights running by the calls of swooping and diving birds. They turned out to be Northern Lapwings, also known as Peewits, and it’s a bird call we will now forever be able to identify.

canvas-and-clover-glamping-telescope

Mr CWS setting up the telescope ready for some stargazing

If you need to relax, reconnect with nature, spend some quality time with the people you care about, or just want a change of scene, then whether you’ve got kids or not, we really can’t recommend Canvas and Clover highly enough.

Breakfast at Canvas and Clover

Breakfast outdoors in the sunshine

Here at Camping With Style we’d like to take the opportunity to wish Wendy and Matt and the family, all the best with their new venture ahead of their full opening in just over a weeks time.

canvas-and-clover-glamping-inside-tent

You can find out more about Canvas and Clover Glamping, Worcester.

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Friday, 13 May 2016

Berg Outdoor VIGNEMALE PRINT Ladies Mid-Layer – Review

berg-outdoor-review01

What I tested

The Lowdown

I’ve had this top for close to two months, and I wear it every opportunity I get. It’s really good at keeping me warm without being bulky or too warm, it’s versatile enough to wear as a top in it’s own right or it’s great worn as a layer. However you wear it, it clings to the body like a big cosy hug.

The outside has a neoprene/soft shell feel to it, and there is plenty of stretch in it. Inside there’s a soft brushed side which sits against your skin, making it pleasant and snuggly to wear.

The zip running part way down the chest makes it easy to regulate your temperature, though I generally wear it zipped right up, and the feature I love the most are the thumb holes at the end of the extra long sleeves.

Berg outdoor review

I went for size L which makes for a snug, but comfy fit (I am usually a 14-16)

The only thing I would say, is that I love long sleeves, and like that the length of these is longer than strictly necessary. For a chunky lass like me, the close fitting ‘skinny’ style isn’t something I’d normally go for, but I don’t care because I love the way it looks, and it performs brilliantly.

The Verdict

I wear this camping, I wear it for short trail runs and I wear it every time I go out hiking. I genuinely can’t get enough of it. The form fitting style and extra long sleeves won’t be to everyone’s taste, but when it comes to versatile performance and looks that stand out, this gets everything right.

The new Berg Outdoor website has just gone live (they ship to the UK) and you can currently get 20% off your order using the voucher code: 20BERG shop here.

berg-outdoor-review013

Thank you to Berg Outdoor who provided the top for us to review.

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Sunday, 8 May 2016

Keen Uneek Footwear – Review

Keen ladies sandal UNEEK

What we tested

  • Keen Uneek Sandals
  • Flat cord or round cord versions available
  • Supportive heel strap
  • Interlocking cords
  • Bungee locking system
  • Anatomical foodbed
  • £79.99 from Keen Footwear

The Lowdown

There’s no denying that the design of these shoes makes them stand out. Made from two lengths of flat or round bungee cord, these sandals are available in heaps of different funky colour combinations, and are available for both men and women.

Looks wise, initially I wasn’t sure what I thought of them, but the more I’ve worn them, the more I like them. They are light and comfortable and as we’ve been basking in some lovely weather here in the UK these last few days, apart from a night out, these sandals haven’t left my feet!

UNEEK sandals from Keen Footwear

I usually struggle with summer shoes as I have dodgy arches, and can usually only wear Birkenstock’s thanks to their supportive footbed. However, they aren’t suitable for walking long distances, and they just aren’t practical enough for setting up camp and general every-day use.

The Keen Uneek sandals are extremely comfortable, and thanks to the anatomical foodbed, are comfy even for me. The website warns that they run a little small, advising to go a 1/2 size up. I’m usually a size 6 however and these fit perfectly in a size 6.

Keen UNEEK Sandals

The Verdict

I love the vast array of colour options available, and whilst I like the light gray and lime green version I was sent, I’d probably have opted for something a bit brighter given the choice.

I can see me wearing these all summer long as they give me the support of a closed shoe and orthotic insert, but the coolness of a sandal. For summer camping, walks and visits the beach I will definitely be wearing/packing my Uneek sandals, as they are just so comfy and versatile and I really like their quirky looks.

KKeen UNEEK Sandalseen UNEEK Sandals

A big thank you to Keen Footwear for providing the Uneek footwear for us to try.

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Thursday, 5 May 2016

Stop, stop and listen for the bough top is whistling

In the ’70s, an Irish poet named Austin Clarke published a poem entitled ‘The Blackbird of Derrycairn’. It’s a clever poem, based on an 18th century ossianic lay. In his version Clarke makes commentary about the role of religion and government.

Stop and listen

I studied this poem, amongst many other works, in my (distant, and growing further by the day) youth. Of all of the novels and essays and poems that have come my way over the years, I must confess it’s the opening verse of ‘The Blackbird of Derrycairn’ that comes to my mind most often.

Stop, stop and listen for the bough top
Is whistling and the sun is brighter
Than God’s own shadow in the cup now
Forget the hour bell. Mournful matins
Will sound as well, Patric, at nightfall.

Stop, stop and listen for the bough top is whistling.

It is such a simple suggestion. That first line and a bit has embedded itself irrevocably in my memory.

Stop, stop

I think sometimes of George Orwell’s novel 1984, where it was positively the done thing to be the same as everyone else. To do the same as everyone else was doing and to fill up one’s time so completely with the popular things in the same way as everyone else that one never had to stop and think about enjoying anything. The enjoyment could be taken for granted since the activity had been undertaken.

mindfulness

I believe it’s important to stop sometimes and take stock of what’s going on. I believe it’s important to spend some time not doing anything.

I believe that it’s ok to spend some time neither actively consuming something, nor actively producing something.

Just – stop. Stop and breathe. Find time to think.

Stop, stop and listen

Actively listening isn’t always as easy as it sounds. Stopping to do nothing but listen – no taking notes, no absently doing something else – is physically very easy, but sometimes I find I have to make a real effort, particularly when a conversation interrupts my current chain of thought.

Stop and enjoy nature

The act of actively listening can be ported to actively looking, and actively paying attention.

I like to go outside because I spent a childhood mostly outside. I like to potter in the garden and ramble around the lakes. I like to be outside because I grew used to being outside as a child.

I live with my husband and partner of many years. He is not so keen on the outdoors. He spent a lot of time indoors reading as a child. There are no prizes for guessing that he just simply doesn’t know what to do with himself outdoors, the same way that sometimes indoors of an evening I find myself hunting for something to do and staring longingly out of the window.

Very simply, people feel differently about being outdoors.

It’s important for us to understand these differences. I know that he likes camping but that sometimes I need to be the impetus behind picking a site and a date and getting the car packed. I know that when we go outside, he’s happier when he has his stuff with him. He likes having technology on trips, I like to go tech free and turn my phone off. I like the silence, he likes having some music on.

It’s ok that we aren’t equal in this. What is important is that we don’t preach to each other about how we should be enjoying the outdoors. There is no right way to go outdoors, just the same as there is no right way to go camping.

Stop, stop and listen for the bough top is whistling

Last week I found a delightful wild space. Bluebells and daffodils and cow parsley, all overgrown amid the grass under the tall trees. Birds sang above me. The sun came out. I stood happily for a minute or two and just appreciated the small moments of loveliness. Will 120 seconds out of my day result in some kind of butterfly effect that causes the downfall of humanity? The odds are against it.

Relax and enjoy nature

Around me, other people kept walking. Not stopping to look, not stopping to listen. Why should they? After all, we were all on the pavement of a major road, just a few hundred metres past a ring road. This isn’t an idyllic country park with a golf course and a children’s play area, we weren’t in a castle or manor grounds with a conveniently located coffee shop and a variety of shops so that we can remember to buy something before we go.

I feel sometimes that the outdoors has been too thoroughly commercialised. Someone I know walked up a mountain in trainers and a warm winter coat from the clothes aisle of a supermarket, and was gently laughed at by a group of walkers with all the ‘correct’ gear. While even I have good arguments for having good gear in certain circumstances, these weren’t those circumstances. It was a paved pedestrian route and the weather was good. She walked up a mountain! Just because she wanted to, just because it was there, just because she could.

It’s ok to just go outside and expect to find nature out there. Nature is everywhere. It’s creeping up between the cracks of the pavement and finding roots in the clogged gutters. It’s making nests in the hedges by the tram stop and trying to get ducklings safely across roads.

Go outside. Go safely, and go warmly, but go outside. Go on your own terms. Take your devices with you, if you want, or a backpack full of survival gear, or take nothing but what you’re wearing. Look around you. Listen.

Try camping. Rent a pod, try some canvas, or take a nylon popup from the supermarket. Go somewhere posh, go somewhere remote, or go five miles out of town to the nearest big campsite with a shop and showers. Just try it.

Try walking. Go to a National Trust site, find a map for an off road ramble, or stroll across a city to the big park. Amble (safely) along country roads or join a walking group to make it a social endeavour.

But do go outside, and when you are there, stop and listen – for the bough top is probably whistling.

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