THE CHALLENGE
We have wonderful countryside in the UK, with opportunities around every corner to explore, connect and get active. We also have a long history of adventure, a strong connection with nature, and a thriving outdoor industry. And, we know that being active outdoors is a vital ingredient for the mental and physical health of our nation - both of which need a real boost at the moment!
In spite of all this, millions of people across the UK want and need to be more active outdoors. The problem is that they don't know where or how to get started. Online information about the outdoors is a mess and it confuses even the most enthusiastic of adventurers - let alone those who are just getting started.
So, we need it to be easier for people to find out what they can do, where they can do it, and how they can get support if they need it. We need to represent all abilities, especially those with additional needs, removing as many barriers as we can.
OUR AIM
For everyone to benefit from outdoor adventure activities – wherever they live, whatever their abilities and whatever their backgrounds.
WHAT WE ARE DOING ABOUT IT
Outdoor Nation is on an exciting journey to create a UK-wide, simple and free gateway for people wanting to be more active outdoors - showing them the best places to walk, paddle, climb, cycle and swim; as well as telling them all they need to know to get started. Our user-driven filters help people narrow their search according to their circumstances, with particular emphasis on empowering families and people with specific needs. If they know what they are doing and have the right kit, then great. If not, we show where they can hire kit, join guided sessions and get lessons.
For outdoor providers - think paddling, climbing, biking centres, guides and rental shops - we are making it easier to connect with people looking to be active in their area, reducing the uncertainty of search engine optimisation and helping this important industry, predominantly made up of small businesses, to continue to thrive.
We're already well on our way and super proud of what we've achieved so far -check out our site (www.outdoornation.online) to see where we're at. We've managed to cover Hampshire, Surrey, Dorset and parts of London, and we are now working our way North.
As you might expect, the careful curation and classification of all the outdoor opportunities across the UK is a mammoth task, so we could really do with your support to kick start this important national endeavour!
HOW YOU CAN HELP
- If you live in Hampshire, Surrey or Dorset, try using our platform to make your plans, share it with people you know and give us your feedback.
- If you are an outdoors professional, then join us on our mission and become one of our trusted partners.
- If you are happy to donate to an epic cause, please help us to recruit regional and local explorers to get the rest of the UK onto the Outdoor Nation adventure map.
- Above all, take an active interest in our journey, get yourselves out on some adventures and get in touch if you'd like to be directly involved in this exciting endeavour.
GET IN TOUCH
If you'd like to get in touch, either to find out more or to offer suggestions, please do so through the website - we'd love to hear from you.
In the meantime, happy adventuring!