Sunday 26 September is National Get Outside Day – an opportunity to celebrate the great outdoors and inspire the nation to get outside more often. This year’s theme is Be Kind to the environment, to yourself and to others.
At the Society, we’re big advocates for the importance of spending time outdoors for everyone’s physical, mental and social wellbeing. We asked a number of our staff what they love about being in nature and how they best like to spend their time in the great outdoors.
Amy, Communications Officer
“For me, nothing beats a good hike – the more I do it, the more I want to explore! The feeling you get when you reach the top of that mountain, big hill or viewpoint is second to none – even when I’ve had to don my waterproofs, I’m always still in awe of the beauty of the natural world around us.”
Liz, Professional and Policy Manager
“Being outside everyday is so important to me. Whether it’s a family walk with the dog, up in the mountains, paddleboarding, or climbing - I find inspiration and energy in the outdoors. Getting kids outside, whether it’s adventures with my son or doing activities with Scouts, is so important – the outdoors gives skills and perspective to all ages. Plus, I can always get another map if there is somewhere new to explore.”
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Lucy, Press and Social Media Officer
“I love being in the great outdoors and by far my favourite hobby is wild swimming. I’m really privileged to live near the River Thames and I go for a dip any chance I can get, no matter the season! Being so close to nature is a special experience and wild swimming gives me a new perspective on the world. I’ve been lucky enough to see some marvellous wildlife and I find it very therapeutic – a perfect wind down at the end of a long day at work. The river bank is my ‘go to’ place to find some peace and solace in the world.”
Mike, Database Administrator
“One way or another I'll be out rock climbing on National Get Outside Day! There is an amazing exhilaration, elegance and finesse to not just climbing, but climbing a route well. You develop a rhythm and grace to movement that flows with an artistic arc. However, you also need power and a mental ability to handle risk. Combined, there is no other sport that can compare to being ‘in the zone.’ And I’ll definitely be in Spain the following week soaking up some winter sun on hard rock!”
Phil, Managing Editor: Academic Publications
“My favourite thing to do outdoors is go exploring with my dog, Luna. It keeps me fit, helps me enjoy some of London (and the rest of the country’s) green spaces, and connects me with the nature that surrounds us, no matter where we are.”
Shane, Geography Outdoors Manager
“A favourite family quote of ours is by Konrad Lorenz from The Waning of Humaneness ‘Nature is so complex we will never fully understand it but if we want to begin to understand it we must do three things – be as close as possible to nature, for as long as possible, at the earliest possible age.’”