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Tinuke Oyediran is on a mission to explore all of the UK's temperate rainforests, so for our latest episode, we showed her around magical Bovey Valley Woods in Devon. Tinuke is an adventurer and former professional roller skater, and was a contestant on the BBC's Survivor UK show. She's really passionate about nature, pushing boundaries and sharing her experiences to educate and inspire online communities. As we take a riverside ramble through the rainforest, we hear Tinuke on her wild adventures, the healing powers of nature and her efforts to address the lack of representation in the great outdoors. We also hear about her life-changing experience on Survivor UK, how being outdoors helped her to cope with trauma, past and future adventures and the three Guinness World Records she holds! Don't forget to rate us and subscribe! Learn more about the Woodland Trust at woodlandtrust.org.uk Transcript You are listening to Woodland Walks, a podcast for the Woodland Trust presented by Adam Shaw. We protect and plant trees for people to enjoy, to fight climate change and to help wildlife thrive. Adam: Well, today I am meeting a professional roller skater, which is a first for me anyway. She was also one of 18 contestants marooned on a deserted location in a BBC reality show which saw people divided into two groups and tasked with competing in a range of challenges in the hope of eventually winning the title of sole survivor. She's meeting me on what I hope to be a less arduous but no less interesting adventure visiting a really, a really very rare sight, a temperate rainforest here in the UK in Devon. Tinuke: Yeah. So my name is Tinuke. I am an adventurer, I'm an online storyteller, triple Guinness World Record holder randomly enough, I'm completely obsessed with being in the outdoors and outside of my comfort zone, so being here in a new temperate rainforest is a great start. Adam: Right. Well, I've I've gotta first of all, you you threw away the line ‘a triple Guinness World Record holder'. So I've gotta ask you about that. What what's the three world records you hold? Tinuke: I know. So it's I I used to be a professional roller skater in chapter number one. Adam: Wow. Tinuke: And it's the most cartwheels, the most burpees in a minute on roller skates and then the most spins on the e-roller skates in a minute as well. I did them all in lockdown, so I was just like on a mission. I had time. Adam: OK. And e-roller skates are battery powered are they is that what they are? Tinuke: Yeah, yeah, they're like, they're like a little, like, roller skate segway things that you put on your feet. It's pretty epic. You can go, like, up to 40 miles an hour. It's like proper adrenaline. Adam: Wow. So I mean, I know we're here to talk about forests and the outdoors. Tinuke: We are indeed. Adam: But I have to, I've never met a professional roller skater before, so I just I have to begin with a couple of questions about that. So how how did that come about? Tinuke: So I I used to be in a show called Starlight Express, which is a musical. Adam: Oh yes, of course. Who doesn't know Starlight Express! Tinuke: Literally. Adam: So so but you were a roller skater before that. Tinuke: I wasn't. I was a dancer before that. I I change my mind a lot as you *laughs* Adam: Ah so is that how it works, I often wondered that because they they go through a lot of roller skaters and I thought, that's a limited pool they're fishing in so so they get dancers and teach them how to roller skate. Tinuke: Yeah. Yeah, they train us up and then if you can do the, if you can roller skate by the end of the sort of like training up then you go on to the show. And I did that for two years in Germany and then I came back to the UK and was a professional roller skater for like, 10 years, which was great. Adam: Amazing. Are you still, are you still doing all of that? Tinuke: I do sometimes yeah, I have I have a little cute troop of hula hoop gals who I meet up with every now and then and, like, do some fun jobs with. Yeah. Adam: OK, good. Alright. And I promise not to ask you anymore about roller skating. Right. So you are an adventurer. And I know you are on is that right, a sort of mission to to look at the temperate rainforests and and forests of the UK? Tinuke: I am indeed. Yeah, that among many other missions. So I suppose I could go in how I started, which follows on from the roller skate story, is I went on a show called Survivor on the BBC. Essentially, it's a show where *laughs* they basically just like strip you of all your human rights and desert you on an island and you have to survive in the wilderness out there. So I had a love of the outdoors and forests and woodlands and the wilderness, everything before. But that's what sort of shifted it into making it a bit of a mission to explore. Adam: And how did you how did you do? For those who haven't been following Survivor, which is a massively popular programme, but for those who don't know it, how did you do? Tinuke: I did good. Yeah. Yeah, I did good. It was absolutely brutal in, both physically and emotionally. It's quite it's quite a hard show in terms of like, ohh tactics and things like that. So that was quite tough, but I loved being, living in the wild, building shelters, catching food and yeah, just living out there. That was, that was incredible. Adam: Had you done anything like that before? Tinuke: So I had recently gone and lived out in a a beautiful forest near Stonehenge for a week on my own as you do *laughs* and that was a lot of shelter building and bushcraft skills and all of that, fire making, so I I... Adam: And you just taught yourself this? I mean you just turn up and yeah, I'm gonna sit in the forest now for a week, I better learn how to build a fire or what? *both laugh* Tinuke: Yeah, like some London City babe, just like, where am I? I had done some, like basic skills and and beforehand, so I did know what I was doing. I'd done lots of shelter, building and stuff like that before, but yeah. Adam: And what was, so you said, catching your own food, this is killing animals and eating them, is that? Tinuke: We we, no, we we had, it was I I wasn't, you're not allowed to, I wasn't allowed to catch them and eat them. So I had things with me that I brought in, rabbits and then I forest forage-ed, foraged, foragaged? Foragaged a lot. Adam: Whatever. I know what you mean *both laugh* Very cool. Tinuke: Yeah. Yeah, that was crazy. Adam: And so so that's your background. Lots of different bits to that obviously. And and this latest adventure to sort of travel around the UK an look at forests. Why why that particularly? Tinuke: Yeah. So I first of all, I think it was just online I saw something. This must have been a couple of years ago, something about like UK rainforests and I was just like, what? I had no idea at that point that there were rainforests in the UK and I started off with a rainforest actually not too far from here, which was the first one I went to go visit and and I just started learning all about it. I I do lots of storytelling online and sharing with my community and like educating people about what we can find in the UK. And so that was my first obsession where my rainforest addiction begun and then since then, I've gone up to lots of them in Scotland. Yeah. So yeah, that's where it all kind of began. Adam: So very good. And so it is a, I mean it's it's a surprise I think to most people to be honest that there is a a temperate rainforest in in the UK at all. And it's that in particular which you are looking at on this, you know, adventure, this tour of the UK, not forests in general, it is rainforests. Tinuke: It is rainforests, yeah. Adam: And there's a lot of talk now about the sort of mental wellbeing, and in fact, only a few weeks ago, when the King had some problems with his recurring cancer, he and some other members of royalty I think were talking about the healing powers of being out in nature. So it's sort of a very topical thing. What's your take or experience of that? Tinuke: Yeah. Forest bathing is a thing. I love it. All about sort of bathing your senses and being in the forest, obviously. But my personal journey with nature and healing is a very strong one and is definitely rooted in why I do what I do and why I've chosen this as a career. So when I was about 28, I went through quite a traumatic time where I lost all of my sort of like initial close family. So my cousin, brother, my mum and dad. And I was super young obviously at the time and I started going out into nature as what I thought was like a way to escape my reality. And I went on lots of crazy adventures, hiking, going into the Grand Canyon, going hiking around Iceland. And it was sort of what I thought was a way to get away from everything. But it just became my biggest healing tool ever, and I have recently liked to call it adventure therapy or adventure healing and and it's all about putting yourself out of your comfort zone, being somewhere where you're not normally are, going out into nature forest bathing, hiking, breathing, experiencing aura of nature, looking at an unbelievably tall tree or, you know, a huge beautiful valley like the one that we're in today. Adam: And and it's interesting so you, I mean, you were a dancer and and a roller skater, so you're obviously a physical person anyway, Tinuke: 100% yeah. Adam: So that was so, but there seems to be a distinction you're making between the sort of exercise you might do as part of your dancing and roller skating, and the sort of exercise that is involved in going to a forest or on a hike or something. Why is that different? Because we talk about exercise and the endorphins anyway, so you get that whether you're in a gym or running in a forest. What's different about being in a forest? Tinuke: So I I do like the idea of moving forwards, so I do lots of processing whilst I'm hiking so there's a there's a thing, if I go on on a little bit of a tangent, it's called it's a therapy called EMDR, where Adam: N? Tinuke: EMDR. Adam: M for mother. EMDR yes. Tinuke: Yeah, where it's all about rapid eye movement. So you might follow your end of your finger and you go left, right, left, right. It's all about combining the left and right hemisphere of your brain whilst you're processing something traumatic and you can also do it whilst you're tapping and you can also do it whilst you're walking so that's what I started to do whilst I was hiking out in nature. Adam: And what does that do so why, why is that helpful? Tinuke: The traumatic memory normally gets stuck in the right hemisphere of the brain because that's where emotions and and all of that is governed and so obviously, feelings of anxiety and all the things that can come with going through something traumatic. So by processing whilst you're stimulating the right and left hemisphere of your brain, walking, looking, tapping, side to side, it just helps blend blend it into one and that's what I that's what that's why I've picked hiking and being outdoors. Adam: Very nice. And you, have you found a difference? Tinuke: Completely, 100%. It's like absolutely changed my life, especially especially obviously since I went through all of that. I like doing something, as you said, I'm a physical person, but I like doing something that's quite hard. I like it to be quite challenging, like a challenging hike or a long one, and then at the end of it, it's just building up that resilience that I'm capable of getting over hard things, I'm capable of being a little bit uncomfortable when it's pouring with rain. I've gone camping, there's loads of midges, blah blah, blah and then it's type two fun, you know? Adam: Right. Type two fun? Tinuke: Type two fun. Adam: I can, never heard of that. Right. That's that's fun with a bit of an obstacle? Tinuke: That, that's that's the type of fun that you get in the outdoors a lot where you might be like, why am I camping in this rainforest and it's pouring with rain. But then afterwards, you're like, wow, what an incredible experience. Adam: It was actually fun, oh good alright. Well we're just coming up to a big, let's go, just try and avoid that. So yeah. OK. So so you have found that to be a real benefit to you. Tinuke: Yeah, it's definitely changed my life and my outlook on things. And also it's it's what I've learned about myself is that I'm capable of pushing through uncomfortable moments, and it's like cold, hard evidence for myself that I'm capable of doing that. So it's definitely been a massive like trauma recovery tool for me, yeah. Adam: That's it's interesting. You also talked right at the beginning of this little walk about how, I think you wanted to demonstrate to your community the benefits of nature and the outside. So, so so for what what community are we talking about, to be in, because we want, everyone is part of lots of different types of communities. So so what community are you talking about? Tinuke: So for me like representation of BIPOC people, people of colour, especially in the UK, mainly city dwellers don't have as much experience with the outdoors so, Adam: So you're talking about, you are talking about lots of different, Tinuke: Yeah Adam: You're not talking about an ethnic community or anything, Tinuke: No no no. Adam: You're you're saying young people, people from different, Tinuke: Yeah. People of colour, people of colour, especially like for me obviously like black women doing adventurous stuff is not normally what we get up to *laughs*. Adam: Is it not? Tinuke: Not, not not in comparison to, Adam: So why, why is that then why do you think that is? Tinuke: Lots of different reasons. Lack of representation in the outdoor scene is a huge thing across like the media, and also just when you come to a rainforest like this or a space, it's very different to be here when you're the only person of colour here, lots of people feel like they are a bit out of place, wouldn't know how to get here, wouldn't know that it was a thing that you could do, wouldn't know the benefits of it and and also it's if it if your if your peers and your family don't, don't go and spend much time in nature, you don't have that incentive to or need to know that you can do it. But in recent times it's definitely changing, which is amazing. And there's some incredible groups that are popping up. Black Girls Hike is an incredible one. Adam: Is that the name of the group? Tinuke: That's the name of the group, Black Girls Hike. Yeah. Adam: And that's a a physical group of people, of black girls who go hiking. Tinuke: Yeah, kayaking, camping, all sorts of things. And it's yeah, specifically for people of colour to like understand what it is and how amazing it is to be out here. I went on a camping trip with them last year. It was like 80 women or most of most of them it was all their first camping trip and and that was amazing. Adam: And what about age then as well? Because I was struck by how younger people are very to my mind, very politically engaged with the environment, but less actually engaged, so they, it tends to be older people, in my experience who are part of the environmental charities, I mean, I suppose first of all, do you think that's right or am I wrong in your view or, and so what what do you know about the engagement of of younger people, of all colours and and sex and gender, of of people of your age group. Do they tend to talk about the environment? Is that a a dull subject to them? Tinuke: No no, it's it's not a dull subject. It's a big subject. Obviously this is our reality and it's gonna be the reality of our children and our children's children and much more than it would be for someone older. So it is a big topic of conversation, especially the world that I'm in at the moment, meeting so many people who love the outdoors. It's definitely a subject that is brought up a lot, definitely, and it's it's definitely a thing of why I started the rainforests and going around the temperate rainforest because they're so endangered and it is a massive topic of conversation. Adam: And and are people optimistic about it or are they, is it is it all disaster prone. I I I fear sometimes that the environmental lobby talks so much about the problems it's a bit of a turn off to be honest. But you've been talking very positively about the role of it all. Tinuke: So I suppose I'm trying to put a positive switch on it by talking about it a lot and promoting everything that I do online. For example, I just went to Kilimanjaro two weeks ago and that was the whole reason I went there was because in a couple of years, well in, there won't be a glacier at the top of it anymore. The snow would have melted. So I was on a mission to do it before the glacier had melted and I talk a lot about it whilst I'm doing it. And suffering a lot actually up there. Adam Adam: Suffering from the cold and the, Tinuke: And the altitude and everything. Adam: How how high is Kilimanjaro? Tinuke: It was like three, 3,870 something metres. Adam: Right, and and you walked up. Tinuke: I did, very, very slowly *laughs*. Adam: I was going to say, how long did it take you to get there? Tinuke: It took me seven days to get there and down. Yeah, it was a little bit mad. Adam: With a group, or? Tinuke: With a group, yeah. And I got a chest infection on day two. Adam: Oh wow. Tinuke: It was it was like one of the hardest things I've ever done. And that's when you're like, yeah. Adam: That's type two fun, isn't it? Tinuke: That is type two fun *both laugh* Adam: Sorry I have paused because we are right by a beautiful bridge. Isn't that lovely? Doesn't that look like a a sort of something Tinuke: Like the Hobbit Adam: It does, you know what it does, like a Hobbit right out of Hollywood. Tinuke: Or like there'll be a troll underneath. Adam: Yeah. Who knows? Maybe there is a troll and we need to answer a a riddle before we cross. Yeah, let's take a photo here. But it's a good point because I think you're massive on social media, so we'll take a photo here. Maybe you'll put it on social media, but what are your social media tags? And if people want to follow you? Tinuke: So it's Tinuke, which is T-I-N-U-K-E underscore Oyediran, O-Y-E-D-I-R-A-N. And that's all over the place. Adam: It's all over, on all platforms. Tinuke: On all of them, it's the same. Adam: You're you're you're everywhere. Right. Let's take a photo. Tinuke: Yeah. Adam: OK, right. Well, let's go over the troll bridge. Oops OK there we are. Tinuke: We're not going to go for a wild swim? Adam: Well, I'm very happy to to Tinuke: To not *laughs* Adam: To to try and find a towel for you on your exit, but I won't. Tinuke: You can cheer me, cheer me on but not take part, partake Adam: Yeah, I'm a, I'm a supporter of your wild swim as opposed to a participant. Tinuke: Fair enough. Adam: I would like to stand in the middle of that river. I'm not going to because I don't know what I'm doing. Anyway so you, you've got we talked about the adventures you've done on TV and elsewhere. You've got some other adventures coming up. What are they? Tinuke: I do. I do indeed. I have some lots of UK hikes coming up, which you can always join me on. You can follow me on my Instagram and come, Adam: When you say join you and you mean not just turn up and sort of follow behind you in a sort of creepy manner. This is an organised this is an organised thing. Tinuke: No *laughs* yeah yeah organised hikes Adam: Fine. OK organised. I thought, just go, oh look there she is, just follow her *both laugh* Tinuke: Join me, join me. I'm also going to Iceland, which I'm inviting everyone to come along with me. That's in October, I'm going doing the Annapurna Trail in Nepal, sort of around around Everest. I'm doing that in November, also inviting everyone to join me. And then my big birthday party next year is going to be to Everest Base Camp, which is April next year. So you've got a whole year to train up. Adam: And if people are interested in joining on these adventures, they contact you via all your social media platforms. Tinuke: They do indeed. Adam: Fantastic. How long have you been involved with the Woodland Trust for. Tinuke: Probably about a year now. Adam: So not not long and how did that happen? Tinuke: I think it was I actually I think it was initially when I first saw a reel about temperate rainforest and I contacted and said I'm going off on a mission to visit them all. Can I come to all of yours and do you want to join in in any way? And yeah, it's been it's been really exciting since then. Yeah. Adam: So I mean, you've talked about trying to encourage people from your communities to come along on a similar journey metaphorically as well as I suppose physically. What would your message be to them to to persuade them this is maybe something worth getting involved in? Tinuke: The benefits for me have completely changed my life in an amazing way and I can't help but not share it. So come and try it out. Get outside your comfort zone a little bit if this is something that you're not used to trying, you definitely won't regret it and it's always nice to go with a group, so yeah, make new friends. Adam: From all of us to all of you, thanks for joining us and as ever, happy wandering. Thank you for listening to the Woodland Trust Woodland Walks. Join us next month when Adam will be taking another walk in the company of Woodland Trust staff, partners and volunteers. And don't forget to subscribe to the series on iTunes or wherever you are listening. And do give us a review and a rating. If you want to find out more about our woods and those that are close to you, check out the Woodland Trust website. Just head to the visiting woods pages. Thank you.
The Outdoors Fix is a podcast to inspire you to make the outdoors a bigger part of your life. As there are now more than 60 episodes of The Outdoors Fix, and while I'm working on a new series, I thought I'd help you pick out some of my favourite conversations from over the years with these throwback episodes. In this episode, I'm revisiting my conversation with Carla Khouri. Carla is a qualified mountain leader who's also the course director for Black Girls Hike, a Duke of Edinburgh assessor, paddlesports leader and Merrell Hiking Club organiser. But she lives in London and she used to be a science teacher! Carla is also one of only two black female mountain leaders in the UK and she's on course with her training to be the only black female winter mountain leader. Carla took me to a beautiful park just minutes from her home in London, and we recorded the episode sitting on the grass within sight of a herd of fallow deer. Someone who's unafraid of following her heart, Carla's story left me feeling inspired about having courage to follow your dreams at any age, and the impact of contributing to the outdoors community. The post The Outdoors Fix throwback: Carla Khouri, the outdoors trailblazer appeared first on The Outdoors Fix.
On the first day of 2025, Nuala McGovern explores all things women and walking in this special programme.Comedian and author Miranda Hart joins her to discuss how her battle with chronic illness gave her a new appreciation for getting outdoors and walking, following 10 years out of the spotlight with chronic fatigue.How can getting outdoors and walking impact us? Qualified GP Dr Lucy Loveday has developed a ‘Nature Toolkit' and ‘green prescription' to look at how we can support our mental and physical health by getting outdoors. She joins Nuala alongside Rhiane Fatinikum, founder of Black Girls Hike, to discuss how we can harness the power of nature at different stages of our lives and tackle barriers to getting outdoors.From writer Nan Shepherd to 18th-century poet Elizabeth Carter – women have been wandering and taking inspiration from nature for centuries. Kerri Andrews, author of Wanderers: A History of Women Walking, tells Nuala about the history of walking as inspiration. And musician Fiona Soe Paing joins us to share her latest project – Sand, Silt, Flint – reimagining traditional folk stories using field recordings from the natural world.One of our listeners got in touch to tell us about Blaze Trails – a community with over 70 free parent and baby walking groups across the UK, encouraging mothers to get outdoors and go walking. Their walks aim to help women connect with nature, with their babies, and with other families. Nuala headed to Staffordshire to meet them.Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Erin Downes
Content Warning: Mentions of owls Episode Description: Asia Bright, of Black Girls Hike, joins the podcast for Episode 2 to talk about the founding of Black Girls Hike and speaking lifers into existence. In her own words: Born and raised in Baltimore MD, Asia has always had a passion for nature and outdoor adventure. Originally starting with a small group of friends, Asia often led guided hiking tours throughout the DMV to explore its natural parks/attractions, eventually extending to the northeast region and westward to the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. What started as a grassroots effort to bring more black people in her community outdoors to enjoy and participate in outdoor adventures, sparked the Black Girls Hike movement. Black Girls Hike showcases the adventures of black women hiking throughout all areas of the world. Through storytelling content and curated hiking & travel experiences, Black Girls Hike creates a community of black and brown outdoor enthusiasts while diversifying the outdoors. Help us keep making the show: Patreon.com/WeOutHerePod Twitter and IG @TheWeOutHerePod Start learning about whose land you're on and begin taking action by visiting https://native-land.ca/ Check out Black Girls Hike at https://www.instagram.com/blackgirlshike_/ and BlackGirlsHike.net --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/weoutherepod/message
Content Warning: Adult Language. Mentions of owls and alcohol use Episode Description: Asia Bright, of Black Girls Hike, joins the podcast for Episode 2 to talk about the founding of Black Girls Hike and speaking lifers into existence. In her own words: Born and raised in Baltimore MD, Asia has always had a passion for nature and outdoor adventure. Originally starting with a small group of friends, Asia often led guided hiking tours throughout the DMV to explore its natural parks/attractions, eventually extending to the northeast region and westward to the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. What started as a grassroots effort to bring more black people in her community outdoors to enjoy and participate in outdoor adventures, sparked the Black Girls Hike movement. Black Girls Hike showcases the adventures of black women hiking throughout all areas of the world. Through storytelling content and curated hiking & travel experiences, Black Girls Hike creates a community of black and brown outdoor enthusiasts while diversifying the outdoors. Help us keep making the show: Patreon.com/WeOutHerePod Twitter and IG @TheWeOutHerePod Start learning about whose land you're on and begin taking action by visiting https://native-land.ca/ Check out Black Girls Hike at https://www.instagram.com/blackgirlshike_/ and BlackGirlsHike.net --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/weoutherepod/message
There's an age old adage that Black people don't do the outdoors; hiking, canoeing, skiing etc. Bushra Schuitemaker, a volunteer hike leader at Black Girls Hike UK, joins us today to challenge this narrative. Bushra explains the beauty of the great outdoors, how hiking facilitates social justice, and why Black women should definitely consider hiking for their physical and mental health as well as caring for the environment around them. Check out Black Girls UK here! More information: Check out our website. Follow us on social media @bwisnetwork We want to hear your feedback! Fill out this form. Check us out on this list for Top Women in Science Podcasts on Feedspot - https://blog.feedspot.com/women_in_science_podcasts/
AJ discusses the ups and downs of hiking while black. Black Girls Hike Black Women's Groups Find Health And Healing On Hikes, But Sometimes Racism, Too Benefits of Hiking LATEST Poetry Book: Poems to Cry to in the Dark Poetry Book: Love Letters Never Sent To: Myself Follow Me on Twitch Instagram --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/aj-brown9/support
The Outdoors Fix is a podcast to inspire you to make the outdoors a bigger part of your life. It's hosted by Liv Bolton. Carla Khouri is a qualified mountain leader who's also the course director for Black Girls Hike, a Duke of Edinburgh assessor, paddlesports leader and Merrell Hiking Club organiser. But she lives in London and she used to be a science teacher! Carla is also one of only two black female mountain leaders in the UK and she's on course with her training to be the only black female winter mountain leader. Carla took me to a beautiful park just minutes from her home in London, and we recorded the episode sitting on the grass within sight of a herd of fallow deer. Someone who's unafraid of following her heart, Carla's story left me feeling inspired about having courage to follow your dreams at any age, and the impact of contributing to the outdoors community. Carla shares her tips for lesser-known spots to explore around the UK at the end of the episode, as well as how to start out and secure work if you're interested in becoming a mountain leader, so make sure you don't miss her advice. There's also a minute of the sounds of nature for a little bit of escapism in your busy day. Carla's episode of The Outdoors Fix is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever else you get your podcasts. It's also embedded below. I hope you enjoy it! Liv x The Outdoors Fix is a podcast produced and hosted by Liv Bolton @liv_outsideuk You can find photos of the guests on Instagram @TheOutdoorsFix The Outdoors Fix book is out now: http://bit.ly/3GJDLJc This episode of The Outdoors Fix is kindly supported by outdoor footwear brand Merrell. Merrell are offering listeners of The Outdoors Fix a 20% discount at Merrell.co.uk (One product per person until 31 Dec 2023) Just use the code OUTDOORS20. The post Carla Khouri: The science teacher turned mountain leader training to be the first black winter ML appeared first on The Outdoors Fix.
Fran is back with a round-up of some news stories that have caught her eye recently!Featuring: - The Cycling World Championships in Scotland- South Asian Heritage Month outdoors- Protect Our Winters report on climate change affecting cycling- Black Girls Hike link up with DofE- Black Tri Tribe TriathlonAnd more! Sign up to the newsletter to find links to all the stories mentioned, extra resources, information about future episodes and more! ontheoutsidepodcast.co.uk/newsletter Share you opinions with us by emailing ontheoutsidepod@gmail.com you can send a DM on Instagram @OnTheOutsidePod, and you can send a voicenote or message via Whatsapp to 07883905336.In an aim to be accessible, we have transcripts for episodes on our website. ontheoutsidepodcast.co.uk/transcriptsYou can support the show on Patreon! All our Patreon money is offered to panellists for their time and expertise. Visit patreon.com/ontheoutsidepodcastCREDITS: Produced by Francesca TurauskisPodcast Art by Sophie NolanSocial Media Assistant is Anesu Matanda-MambingoMusic is Bassbeat by Alex NortonOn The Outside is part of the Tremula Network.
Oge, your friendly neighbourhood hiking girl has been a part of OTO for a while. She loves the outdoors and hiking specifically, when not finding a mountain or hill to climb, she's learning how to swim and spending time with her family. She's also part of an amazing hiking group called Black Girls Hike and has a TedX talk about hiking and the importance of community groups.Join Oge, for an exciting podcast minisode filled with outdoor adventures and inspiring community stories! From ESEA Outdoors UK connecting East/Southeast Asian heritage outdoor enthusiasts, to Muslim Hikers conquering the Welsh coastline, there's plenty going on. Oge also highlights Patagonia's latest campaign to protect our oceans and the alarming marine heatwave off the UK and Irish coasts. Plus, get ready to celebrate National Marine Week and join the movement for marine conservation!Tune in for all this and more on this special episode! Sign up to the newsletter to find links to all the stories mentioned, extra resources, information about future episodes and more! ontheoutsidepodcast.co.uk/newsletter Share you opinions with us by emailing ontheoutsidepod@gmail.com you can send a DM on Instagram @OnTheOutsidePod, and you can send a voicenote or message via Whatsapp to 07883905336.In an aim to be accessible, we have transcripts for episodes on our website. ontheoutsidepodcast.co.uk/transcriptsYou can support the show on Patreon! All our Patreon money is offered to panellists for their time and expertise. Visit patreon.com/ontheoutsidepodcastCREDITS: Produced by Francesca TurauskisPodcast Art by Sophie NolanSocial Media Assistant is Anesu Matanda-MambingoMusic is Bassbeat by Alex NortonOn The Outside is part of the Tremula Network.
Black Girls Hike provides a safe space for black women to explore the outdoors and reconnect with nature. With less than 1% of national park governing bodies being people of ethnically diverse backgrounds, Rhiane has spent several years working to challenge the status quo by hosting nationwide group hikes, outdoor activity days and training events to tackle the lack of inclusion and representation within the industry.Hosted by Bruce BratleyFeaturing Rhiane Fatinikun of Black Girls Hike
This week the Legendary Brew Crew chop it up with Founder of Black Girls Hike Too! (blackgirlshiketoo.com), Stephi The Light. Stephi shares how a low season her life forced her to reflect and be more intentional about what she wanted her life to look like. As a self proclaimed country girl, Stephi was drawn to reconnect to nature by hiking. This awakening not only lit her internal light but spurred the creation of her hiking organization. They also discuss her expedition to Alaska and Black Girls Hike Too!'s upcoming healing retreat in Niagara Falls. This episode features beer from Calvert Brewing, Imprint Beer Co. and Wilmington Brew Works. Grab a Brew and Join the Banter.
On this episode of Build Better Brands, Danielle Clarke is joined by Rhiane Fatinikun, founder of Black Girls Hike, to talk about how things have been going and where Black Girls Hike is going to go in the future.KEY TAKEAWAYSThe idea behind Black Girls Hike was just me wanting to create a space because I wanted to do something for my wellbeing, like taking up a new hobby. But I'd always been involved in community. Exploration into the countryside has never been something that I've done, I always wanted to live in a city, but as I've got older I've started appreciating the countryside more.I dropped out of uni three times because I didn't really enjoy it and I worked in the civil service and doing volunteering part time so I could get into community work, but I was always really conscious that I wasn't doing enough and I wasn't getting to where I wanted to be in life fast enough and I wasn't reaching certain milestones of ages. That was one of the reasons I started Black Girls Hike, I wanted to do something where I felt like I was using my time wisely for my wellbeing and not thinking about doing anything else.It wasn't supposed to be a brand, it was just the name of the group and it became a brand by itself. At the end of the first year we decided to do Snowdon, and somebody said it'd be a really nice idea to make some medals made, but we didn't have a logo so I got one designed on Fiverr just for those medals. But it became the logo that everyone associates with us and it's just so basic! We've needed to update it and our website for ages but it's been me running it on my own while working full time. We tried a rebrand, but I found the calls really difficult because you don't know what you don't know and the stuff they were coming back with wasn't great and I wonder if that was down to me being bad at explaining or them not understanding what I wanted.The outdoors is never marketed to black people, as though they would never go outdoors. That's obviously not the reason, there's loads of different reasons that we've been excluded from the outdoors and it's all ways that systemic racism manifests and creates ‘invisible barriers'. I want us to challenge stereotypes of who the outdoors is actually for because the outdoors is for everybody. I want to make it more accessible, more inclusive, create an environment where our community can really thrive and develop and experience all the benefits od the outdoors that we've historically been excluded from. BEST MOMENTS‘A CIC is a Community Interest Company, so it's a non-profit, everything we make goes back into the organisation to subsidise other activities and help reach more people.'‘It was just supposed to be a really small social group and an opportunity for me to get out explore and meet new people, but because it was on Instagram it grew and got so much more demand. I was forced to grow it, it wasn't the initial plan!'‘Wellbeing's the most important thing. We need to be able to pour into ourselves. So many people are pouring from an empty cup and running on empty because we're in a society that's all about productivity and you always feel like you have to be doing something.'‘The UK is so beautiful. When I was younger all I wanted to do was go abroad but now I'm like: “Let's go to Scotland on holiday!”'ABOUT THE GUESTAfter being inspired by a train journey through the Peak District, Rhiane founded Black Girls Hike to challenge stereotypes and the lack of representation in the outdoors. With no hiking experience herself, she put a call out on social media and Black Girls Hike was born. Since then, they've gone from strength to strength, launching groups nationwide running regular group hikes and outdoor activity days.Audiobook by Etaf Rum: A Woman Is No Man: https://amzn.to/3M2Uybv Website: https://www.bghuk.com/ Instagram: @rhianesworld and @bgh_ukFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/bghmcr/ ABOUT THE HOSTDanielle Clarke is a Brand and Marketing Consultant, University Lecturer and Business Owner.Since 2006 Danielle has provided brand design and marketing support for clients including Škoda, Gtech, UK Biocentre, UK Mail and GIRLvsCANCER Danielle is committed to helping brands that want to have a positive impact on people's lives. She spends her time consulting and working with business owners to help them attract and retain their best customers.Insta - @danielleclarkecreative | [https://www.instagram.com/danielleclarkecreative/]LinkedIn - [https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-clarke-creative/]Twitter - @D4nielleCl4rke | [https://twitter.com/D4nielleCl4rke]Email - hello@danielleclarkecreative.com Website: www.danielleclarkecreative.com This show was brought to you by Progressive Media Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Movement is a central part of (human) life. For some of us, it is fuelled by excitement and represents adventure or freedom. For others, it is fuelled by fear and represents a chance at survival. Regardless of the cause of our movement, we all seek some sort of safe land upon arrival - to live, rest, feed, grow and thrive. Whether that land be temporary or permanent, none of us is exempt from this need. In this episode, we're exploring different forms of movement and investigating how they affect our relationship both with land and with one another. Join us as we speak to Showman, Tyler Hatwell, from Traveller Pride and Diasporan, Sam Siva, from Land in Our Names (LION). ---------- Learn - what do we mean by movement? (5 mins 15 secs) Discuss - Tyler Hatwell, Traveller Pride (11 mins 45 secs) find them on Facebook/ Instagram/ Twitter/ Website Sam Siva, LION - Land in Our Names (49 mins 30 secs) find them on Instagram (personal)/ Instagram / Website Share - what can we all do? (1 hour 40 secs) ---------- Things we mentioned: Donate to Land in Our Names; Donate to Traveller Pride; Rural Idyll Article (Kate Bernstock, Gal-Dem); Traveller representation in the media; Chav Solidarity Book; People to look up - Zakiya Mckenzie, Clare Ratinon, Corrine Fowler, Robin Wall Kimmerer; Wretched of the Earth Organisation; Decolonising Economics; Friends, Family and Travellers; Kinder in Colour; Black Girls Hike; Muslim Hikers; Right to Roam; Landscapes of Freedom; Dale Farm Traveller Evictions; Police Crime and Sentencing Bill's Impact on Traveller's. To discuss what you've listened to or to see more from Untelevised between episodes, head to our website (untelevised.co.uk), Twitter or Instagram (both @untelevised_tv) or write to talk2untelevised@gmail.com Untelevised: The Podcast is a joint platform between Filmanthropy and Revoke CIC. Sponsored by the Lankelly Chase Foundation News and Media Fund. Season 4 is produced in collaboration with the New Economics Foundation and Shared Assets.
Rhiane is on a mission to help black women connect with nature and with themselves through hiking. What started as a simple Instagram post took off, garnering thousands of followers across social media over the past 3 years. Black Girls Hike have been doing amazing work and have since expanded into other outdoor activities including gorge walking, caving, kayaking, abseiling and more. In this interview we discuss how Black Girls Hike was founded, some of Rhiane's early hiking experiences (some funny stories here!), building a community, the importance of reconnecting with nature, the lack of diversity in the outdoors, and her vision for Black Girls Hike. If you're a black woman who's interested in going out and exploring the outdoors, somebody that is looking to learn more about building an engaged community, or just looking to hear a very inspirational story then this is definitely the interview for you. Check it out and don't forget to subscribe to the channel! 1000 Voices is a weekly podcast with a simple mission: to interview 1000 inspirational black Britons. Join us on our journey to 1000! ———————————————————————— ✉️ Are you or do you know someone with a powerful story that you believe needs to be amplified? Send us an email: hello@1000voicesuk.com
Avian Flu restrictions lifted in Wales but egg farmers struggle in the face of soaring costs of production. We meet the walkers who enjoy notching up the miles as we celebrate long distance trails. And we meet members of the walking group Black Girls Hike, as they explore the coast of the Gower peninsula. No Smoking! - the campaign for smoke-free beaches and the refashioning leather sustainably in Pembrokeshire.
Kelly in her own words: “I'm passionate about the outdoors, it's a love started from childhood adventure, grew into teenage curiosity, and now is a form of adult stress relief. Fitness for leisure, health, and well-being is more important to me than the competition or the ability to perform well at any one thing. To be, on the go is something I do for me. My former self trying to be better for my future self. Me vs Me. I swim in the pool, lakes, and sea, I cycle with TWR, hike with Black Girls Hike and have only started running with Black Trail runners this year. I try for fun and I try to give my best at each event. I am a beacon of light to get more people into multi-sport events because of representation in the recreational sports and fitness sector. At school I loved geography, physics, and mathematics. I started working in construction at 14, now having 10 years experience I left my last job as an assistant site manager. I have matured into an enthusiast for the built environment. An inquisitive mind towards, towards all things related to sustainable development. My undergraduate degree is in Project Management for Construction, my masters in Flood Risk Assessment, Modelling and Engineering and I have full intention to do my PhD in Flood Risk Development and Sustainability.” New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast go live every Tuesday and Thursday at 7am UK time - Hit the subscribe button so you don't miss out. The Tough Girl Podcast is sponsorship and ad free thanks to the monthly financial support of patrons. Support the mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media. Visit www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast and subscribe - super quick and easy to do and it makes a massive difference. Thank you. Show notes Who is Kelly Smith Being based in Brighton, UK Why adventuring in the outdoors is her passion Moving slowly Not sleeping well at the moment Weighted blanket Growing up in London and her early years Moving to Brighton at 17 years old Getting into the outdoors The shift from childhood to adulthood Being a weird kid Her 16th birthday and walking in the rainforest The last day of her A'levels Missing the boldness of her youth Finding the South Downs and falling in love with the outdoors Being a planner Getting into sports and fitness Joining the cycling community and being encouraged to do a triathlon Trying a tri Why it's about how she feels Remembering back to her first triathlon Being impacted by covid How getting outdoors helped with her mental health Working with Swim England as an Ambassador Going after her Summer Mountain Leader Qualification The challenge of getting the training days The costs of travelling around the UK Navigation skills and learning The Kelly Smith Project - 3 Peaks - 3 Isles Working in the construction industry for 10 years Doing her Masters Filming her documentary and the plan Taking 3 weeks to film the project Being ambitious! Doing B roll in February and filming in April Connect with Kelly Top tips and advice to encourage you to get outside Social Media Website: kellysmithonthego.com Instagram: @kellysmith.onthego
For this latest installment of our podcast in recognition of Black History Month, WRA's Kandice Cleveland takes over for Brendan as guest host. Kandice spoke with WRA Western Lands Policy Analyst and Rising Routes founder Jason Swann, and Portia Prescott, founder of Black Girls Hike and a new member of our board of directors. The conversation focused on learning more about how our staff and board are working to expand equitable access to the outdoors and ensure a healthy, livable future for all our communities, and about the experiences that led Portia and Jason to work with WRA as well as to launch their own organizations focused on breaking down barriers to the outdoors. Finally Kandice, Portia, and Jason remind us that Black history is being made and celebrated everyday, this month, and every month.
Black Girls Hike RVA was founded in May 2020 by Nicole Boyd and Narshara Cade. These two friends and middle school teachers found joy in hiking and posted their adventures on social media. While on the trails, the two noticed a lack of diversity, especially among people of color. With a vision and passion for wanting to create a space for women of color to enjoy the outdoors, BGHRVA was born. Based out of Richmond, Virginia, Cade and Boyd lead local and regional hikes for women of color. Recently featured in USA today and CNN stories, Boyd and Cade are working to ensure the outdoors is a safe space for women of color. They hope to grow the business, create a non-profit for underserved youth, and inspire future generations to debunk the stereotype that people of color don't love the outdoors. Facebook blackgirlshikeRVAInstagram blackgirlshike_rvaWebsite www.blackgirlshikerva.com
This episode of The Checkpoint podcast is sponsored by The North Face®. In episode 29, Marcus and Rachel talk to Kelly Smith, adventurer, built environment enthusiast & navigation guide. Kelly holds an undergraduate degree in Project Management for Construction and a masters in Flood Risk Assessment, Modelling and Engineering. Kelly swims in the pool, lakes, and sea, cycles with TWR, hikes with Black Girls Hike and has started running with Black Trail Runners. Kelly hopes to be a beacon of light to get more people from diverse backgrounds into multi-sport events and Kelly also has a big project on the horizon, which we get into on the podcast. Look out for a film coming later this year! Kelly answers navigation questions submitted by members of the BTR community and shares lots of useful tips on map-reading and route-finding. We talk about Kelly's inquisitive mind towards all things related to sustainable development as well as their passion for the outdoors. For more information, make sure to follow Kelly: https://kellysmithonthego.com/ Instagram YouTube Additional links: All the Elements: https://www.alltheelements.co/
Topics covered include being climate conscious as outdoor enthusiasts; using public transport for eco purposes; the new Kernow Way cycling trail in Cornwall; and the #WeTWo polar expedition with Dwayne Fields and Phoebe Smith.Francesca Turauskis is joined by Outside: Our Way creator Ani Patas, Black Girls Hike regional leader Oge Ejizu and endurance cyclist and creator of The Adventure Shed Vedangi Kulkarni.READ THE FULL TRANSCRIPT HERE CTA:- Think of one new climate conscious action you can do today- Visit the #WeTwo webpage at teamwetwo.com- Give a bike hire scheme a try to see if you DO like cycling!JOIN THE CONVERSATION:Sign up to the newsletter Email us your thoughts and stories ontheoutsidepod@gmail.com CREDITS:The panel today was Ani Patas, Oge Ejizu and Vedangi Kulkarni Produced and edited by Francesca Turauskis Editing support and Transcript by Jack O'DriscollArtwork by Sophie Nolan Music is Bassbeat by Alex NortonSocial Media by Frankie Dewar Special thanks to our Patreon Support Crew - Wild For Scotland and Sign up to the newsletter to find links to all the stories mentioned, extra resources, information about future episodes and more! ontheoutsidepodcast.co.uk/newsletter Share you opinions with us by emailing ontheoutsidepod@gmail.com you can send a DM on Instagram @OnTheOutsidePod, and you can send a voicenote or message via Whatsapp to 07883905336.In an aim to be accessible, we have transcripts for episodes on our website. ontheoutsidepodcast.co.uk/transcriptsYou can support the show on Patreon! All our Patreon money is offered to panellists for their time and expertise. Visit patreon.com/ontheoutsidepodcastCREDITS: Produced by Francesca TurauskisPodcast Art by Sophie NolanSocial Media Assistant is Anesu Matanda-MambingoMusic is Bassbeat by Alex NortonOn The Outside is part of the Tremula Network.
As lockdowns ease and we're able to get out again we look at groups working to address the under-representation of black and brown people in the outdoors. Over a couple of future episodes, we speak to people who are challenging this. Louisa and Danny speak to Rhiane Fatinikun. In 2019 Rhiane set up a small walking group Black Girls Hike, which today has thousands of members, providing a safe space for black women to explore the outdoors and reconnect with nature. Find Black Girls Hike here: https://www.bghuk.com/ https://www.instagram.com/bgh_uk/ Support the show (https://act.friendsoftheearth.uk/donate/make-a-donation?_ga=2.1735858.2055361964.1579523061-622360301.1536752803)
As Sheree Mack, your host, chats with Cherelle Harding from the Midlands, this episode covers: Black Girls HIke Creating Steppers UK Public backlash against Black walking groups Working with the Youth and Nature Childhood experiences for a lasting impression Coming to Nature through the arts Health and Wellbeing British Science Week and Research Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty Collaborative rather than competition Barriers to walking outside All the Elements Childhood upbringing Future plans Bio: Cherelle Harding is a youth worker from Coventry, Founder of Steppers UK & Midlands leader of Black Girls Hike. Not growing up knowing much about 'The Great Outdoors' Cherelle was inspired to connect with nature through reggae music and school residential trips. Now a full time adventurer, Cherelle is passionate about inspiring underrepresented communities to build positive relationships with the outdoors. Cherelle Harding Founder @Steppers UK GO FUND ME - Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Challenge Instagram: @SteppersUK Twitter: @SteppersUK Facebook: Steppers UK See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Rhiane Fatinikun takes Clare on one of her favourite walks in the Peak District. Starting in Edale they take in Hollins Cross, Lose Hill and Mam Tor. Rhiane set up Black Girls Hike to provide a safe space for black women to explore the countryside. It’s been such a success that there are now three branches: in the North West, the West Midlands and London. As she tells Clare, it’s a way of building confidence and increasing diversity in the outdoors. It's an exhilarating and challenging walk, made more so by the changeable weather they had on the day... from bright sunshine to snow and strong, biting wind. We started at the main car park in Edale, which is near the railway station (station grid ref: SK 123 853) Producer: Karen Gregor
This episode’s a walk in the park. A national park, that is. Today, we’re stepping off the beaten track with walking group Black Girls Hike, to roam free on the green (and sometimes snowy) hills of the Peak District.The group's founder, Rhianne Fatinikun, takes us back to where she first had the spark of an idea to give black women a space to explore nature together. Now, several years and many walks later, Black Girls Hike is a non-profit organisation that spans the country. Representing ‘more than a walking group’ to its members, Black Girls Hike highlights the power of sharing the things we enjoy most. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Black Girls Hike founder Rhiane Fatinikun recalls a walk through Witton Country Park, Blackburn to the Alfred Wainwright memorial and on how hiking has become part of her life. It's dark and it's muddy, but there's tea and cake to compensate. This podcast was recorded under lock down conditions with each podcaster remembering the sounds, sensations and feelings of their special place. Narration by Charlotte Andrew. Producer: Paul Shuttleworth, Sara Parker and Trevor Aston. Executive Producer: Kathryn Morrison.
My connection with nature began when I was kid. There was nothing else that excited me more than being outside whether it'd be visiting the neighborhood creek with my friends or building makeshift terrariums with my sister to house caterpillar's so we could see them turn into butterflies. It wasn't until I got older and the responsibilities started to pile up that I began to focus more on “adulting” and spent less time enjoying the nature around me. In 2019, a couple of friends and I randomly decided to go hiking one summer morning at a small trail right outside of Baltimore City. I was hooked! I was instantly brought back to my childhood – outside with my friends. Hiking became the flame to a spark that I always had deep inside of me. I suddenly felt the need to be outside and exploring again. Some of my favorite trails are alongside big rivers such as Niagara Falls, NY and Great Falls, Va. I've recently become obsessed with mountain hikes in areas such as Red Rocks, Colorado. Because of hiking, I am not afraid to seek out new adventures. You never know what you'll get into or where you'll end up. Asia Bright, Co-founder of Black Girls HikeHome | Black Girls HikeBlack Girls Hike (@blackgirlshike_) • Instagram photos and videosPlease Check Out: Papa Bear Hikes
Meet Jess. She's the creator, director, and CEO of Vibe Tribe Adventures! Vibe Tribe Adventures, formerly known as Black Girls Hike, is a non profit, minority-woman owned, global outdoor and adventure company that was created to encourage black women, men, and urban youth to explore the great outdoors, practice conservation, become educated on environmental science, health, and wellness and to inspire one another to be who they are naturally. In a world where we desperately need more people to fall in love with the great outdoors, Jess and her tribes are doing the work to help bring more people in the black community into the world of outdoor adventure. If you want to support Vibe Tribe Adventures, check out their website here! Please consider donating on a reoccurring basis! Follow Vibe Tribe on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter! If you're looking to become an adventure guide with Vibe Tribe and you're a person of color, shoot Jess an email at jess@vibetribeadventures.org While you're at it, make sure to follow the new Camping Out Instagram account! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/daniel-camp7/support
Getting outdoors for a hike or other activities is one of the best things we can do for mind and body. But nature adventures have not always been available to women of color. Denver-based Jessica Newton is changing all that with her nonprofit Vibe Tribe and Black Girls Hike. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
Rhiane Fatinikun on Getting Started in the Outdoors, and the Importance of Diversity. In the final episode of Season 1, we meet Rhiane Fatinikun, the founder of Black Girls Hike. Rhiane founded Black Girls Hike in 2019, to provide a safe space for Black women to explore the outdoors. It is now a thriving community, with groups based in the North West, the Midlands and London. In this episode, Rhiane tells us about how she went from having no hiking experience or equipment (and being unable to read a map) to leading a national hiking movement. She also shares her hints and tips on how to create communities and take that first step towards trying something new. This episode, discover: Why Rhiane's first London meet up didn't go entirely to plan. How she built and expanded a community. How to take that first step towards trying something new. How to overcome self doubt. The power of social media to connect people in real life. Why it's important to take up and created spaces for people to feel like they belong. About racism in the UK and the outdoors community. Why we need to share both negative and positive experiences. How she went from being a beginner hiker to leading a group up Snowdon. Why you should trust that you will come into your own season. How to deal with negativity. Why to plan to have no plan when you travel. Links mentioned in this episode: Rhiane's Instagram https://www.instagram.com/itsnotrhiane/?hl=en Black Girls Hike Instagram https://www.instagram.com/bgh_uk/?hl=en Black Girls Hike Facebook https://www.facebook.com/bghmcr/ Black Girls Hike Twitter https://twitter.com/ukbgh?lang=en Tales of a Hiker https://www.talesofahiker.com Tales of a Hiker Instagram Humans of New York https://www.humansofnewyork.com Kendal Mountain Festival https://www.kendalmountainfestival.com We Flock Together https://www.instagram.com/flocktogether.world/?utm_source=ig_embed Mountain Leader Training https://www.mountain-training.org/qualifications/walking/mountain-leader Moses Gate Park https://www.lancswt.org.uk/our-work/projects/kingfisher-trail/moses-gate-country-park Epping Forest http://www.visiteppingforest.org JOIN US ON SOCIAL: We'd love to hear what you think of this week's The First Mile and if you've got any suggestions of topics or people you'd like to hear interviewed. Drop us a line on Instagram @AshBhardwaj and @PipStewart or Twitter @AshBhardwaj and @PipStewart. *Please consider leaving a review if you enjoyed this episode. Thank you!
My guest in this episode is Oge Ejizu - a hiker and the London regional leader for Black Girls Hike, a walking group for black women. Growing up in London, hiking wasn't something that Oge's family was interested in and as she puts it, she didn't see anyone like her in the outdoors, so she assumed it wasn't for her. But a few years ago, a friend persuaded her to start going on walks together and then took her to Dartmoor. She became hooked on hiking. Oge's now often found exploring London's lesser known green spaces and championing the city as a place where you can still enjoy nature, as well as encouraging other black women to join her hikes and diversify the outdoors. I met up with Oge near her home in Enfield in north London and we went on a 9 mile walk together to Epping Forest - a beautiful ancient woodland on the edge of the city. I live in London too, so this was a lovely local route that I'm definitely going to do again! I wanted to find out more about Oge's outdoors life, how she fits hiking around work as a project manager, how she got involved in Black Girls Hike and why she's thinks the outdoors has had such a powerful impact on her life. The Outdoors Fix is a podcast produced and hosted by Liv Bolton @liv_outsideuk It is proudly supported by Ellis Brigham Mountain Sports – stores nationwide and online offering everything you need to equip you for the best outdoors experience. The post Oge Ejizu: Adventuring in London with Black Girls Hike appeared first on The Outdoors Fix.
Rhiane Fatinikun is the founder of Black Girls Hike, a charitable organisation she set up following a train ride through the Peak District which inspired her to take up hiking. Since her first post on Instagram in January 2019, asking for other black women to join her, her community has skyrocketed. She now has regional groups including London and the Midlands and is providing opportunities for her member to gain mountain leading skills and qualifications. Rhiane is a passionate advocate for increasing representation in outdoor spaces and has spoken widely in the media, highlighting the issues faced by black women in accessing outdoors spaces. In this interview, Rhiane speak openly and powerfully about the challenges she has encountered in becoming an advocate for her community, the benefits she has experienced, the need for psychological safety and what we all need to do to ensure that the outdoors is a more inclusive and welcoming space. Instagram @bgh_ukFacebook Black Girls Hike - UKhttps://www.gofundme.com/f/black-girls-hike-healing-retreats
Vici Fairhurst is a hiker who lives in Manchester and works with 16-19 year olds in care. She discovered a love of hiking in a rather daunting and unusual way. Last year Vici's colleague set her a huge challenge: to get 30 teens and staff, with little or no hiking experience, to the top of Snowdon. That trip sparked an ‘addiction to hiking', as she puts it, and it's had a huge impact on her life. Vici is also a member of the Black Girls Hike walking group based in the Greater Manchester area. The post Vici Fairhurst: How a trip to Snowdon with 30 teens and staff changed her life appeared first on The Outdoors Fix.