This week I received some very exciting news, I’ve been nominated for one of the The Great Outdoors Reader Awards.

The Great Outdoors Reader Awards are the UK’s democratic celebration of the best of outdoor culture.

From talented authors and tireless campaigners to charming campsites and cosy pubs, the shortlists in these 15 categories represent the most inspirational personalities, organisations and businesses in the outdoor world. Ultimately, only three in each category can win, but being shortlisted is an achievement in itself, I’m extremely proud to be among such prestigious names in the outdoor industry and feel a little bit of imposter syndrome creeping in!

I have been nominated for the ‘Campaigner of the year’ category, this category if for those who are inspiring campaigns that matter to walkers on access, conservation, and the environment.

My full time job is in the Access and Rights of Way sector but in my spare time I advocate access for all to the outdoors, this includes lobbying government to make more of the countryside accessible to the public as well as educating access providers on how they can encourage minority groups into the outdoors. I am also passionate about raising awareness of the lack of access to the outdoors for disabled users, I am a coach for Calvert Trust Keswick and provide riding and carriage driving sessions every week, this has lead to me wanting to enable more people to access the outdoors no matter their ability.

I’ve got some pretty impressive competition so know I’m unlikely to win in the popularity contest against:

• 3 Dads Walking – Walking between the parliaments of the four nations to raise awareness after the deaths of their daughters by suicide
• Chris Packham – Renowned wildlife campaigner and broadcaster dedicated to preserving wild spaces and its inhabitants
• Right to Roam – Campaigning to extend the Countryside & Rights of Way (CRoW) Act to offer millions more access to open space in England
• Tak It Hame – Mountaineering Scotland’s anti-litter campaign encouraging the outdoors community and others reduce litter in our hills
• The Ramblers – Britain’s leading walking charity opening the way for walkers, advocating wellbeing outdoors and remapping forgotten paths
• Trash Free Trails – Protecting trails and wild places from litter and connecting people with nature through purposeful adventure
• Yvon Chouinard – lifelong rock climber and Patagonia founder who donated company ownership to fight climate change

I am passionate about advocating access for all, it is a huge honour that someone has nominated me for The Great Outdoors Reader Awards. If you have a minute to spare to vote for me in the ‘Campaigner of the year’ category you can vote here.

Uncategorized Access Access for All Advocating Access Nomination PROW Explorer Public Rights of Way Explorer publicrightsofwayexplorer TGO Awards The Great Outdoors Reader Awards