I have a passion and interest for the outdoors which is second to none. Growing up in rural Nottinghamshire, England I spent much of my youth exploring Sherwood Forest and working alongside my grandfather in the countryside. Often travelling to far flung scenic landscapes my grandfather proved to be a major influence in shaping my love and appreciation for the world we live in.
I spent many happy days out amongst the trees, birdwatching and seeking flora and fauna – often staying out overnight in a D.I.Y shelter.
It’s only in recent years I’ve pursued my passion for our landscapes in such an obsessive manner (due to a health scare), often over-ruling any other interest in my life – though my wife and family always comes first. Currently a suburbanite perhaps it’s no surprise I feel such a longing to be back out in the countryside?
There’s more to it than that, of course. But it’s where my heart lies and always will.
A year or so ago I was unexpectedly made redundant from a role I had in the information technology industry and after giving it some consideration I chose to embark on the career I now find myself in today. Most of my time is spent hiking and camping in the UK’s national parks and particularly the Peak District. It’s in these places you’ll find me not only lugging about my backpacking gear but video equipment too. I now work as a freelance landscape videographer producing footage for numerous clients which include tourist boards and independent TV companies. I also produce short videos for my own business too: Peak District TV .
On top of this you’ll sometimes find me having submitted written features for a number of outdoor activity based publications, involved with photography and gear testing for a number of high profile companies.
It’s all one big learning curve and one I like to share with people via my blog. It’s from within this tiny piece of the virtual world I hope to inspire others to tie on some boots, strap on suitable clothing and get outdoors! For me there’s nothing better in life.
Wherever you are in the world, we are all pretty much one and the same. If there’s specifically one thing we all have in common it’s that primeval desire to head back to nature and into the wilds (or in my case the tamed ancient lands of Britain). It reminds us of who we are, where we come from and our place in the cosmos. Yes, that may sound somewhat of a cliche but it’s true I suspect for most people.
