Being outdoors is a great way to stay active and healthy, but did you know that your access to the outdoors relies so much upon the selfless work of volunteers? Ramblers volunteers are just some of the unsung heroes of the UK’s fabulous walking trails. That’s why, this Volunteers Week – and for the whole of June – we’re saying a massive thank you by giving them 15% off ALL our any-weather fabric maps.

If you’re a Ramblers volunteer already, its the perfect chance to upgrade from fragile paper maps. Check the volunteers June 2nd newsletter, tap in the coupon code and go for gold with our;

• HIKER’s FAVOURITE: 1:25k SplashMaps! or the
• PLANNER’s FAVE: Ordnance Survey 1:50k  for all Great Britain!

Find out more about volunteering opportunities with the Ramblers here.

The Benefits of Volunteering Outdoors

Volunteering outdoors offers many benefits that can improve your physical and mental health, as well as the environment around you. One of the primary benefits is that it allows you to get outside and enjoy nature. Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress, increase happiness, and improve mental clarity. Additionally, volunteering outdoors often involves physical activity, which can help you stay in shape and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Another benefit of volunteering outdoors is the sense of purpose and fulfilment it provides. When you volunteer, you are contributing to something larger than yourself and making a positive impact on the world around you. This can give you a sense of satisfaction and fulfilment that is hard to find elsewhere. Ambassador, Nick Goldsmith of Hidden Valley Bushcraft, uses the outdoors to help PTSD sufferers from the Armed and Emergency Services.

Finally, volunteering outdoors can be a great way to meet new people and build relationships. When you volunteer with others who share your values and interests, you are more likely to form meaningful connections and build a sense of community.

Impact of Volunteering on the Community

Volunteering outdoors can have a huge impact on the community as a whole. By cleaning up parks and beaches, planting trees and gardens, and restoring natural habitats, volunteers are helping to create a healthier and more sustainable environment. This, in turn, can improve the quality of life for everyone in the community.

Additionally, volunteering outdoors can help to build a stronger sense of community. When people come together to work towards a common goal, they are more likely to form bonds and build relationships. This can help to create a more cohesive and supportive community where people are more likely to help one another and work together towards common goals.

Finally, volunteering outdoors can help to inspire others to get involved and make a positive impact. When people see others working to improve the environment and the community, they are more likely to be inspired to do the same.

Different Types of Outdoor Volunteering Opportunities

There are many different types of outdoor volunteering opportunities available, depending on your interests and skills. Here are just a few examples:

Park and Beach Cleanups

Park and beach cleanups are a popular type of outdoor volunteering that involves picking up litter and debris from public spaces. This can help to keep these areas clean and safe for everyone to enjoy.

Tree Planting and Garden Maintenance

Tree planting and garden maintenance involve planting and caring for trees and other plants in public spaces. This can help to improve the air quality and provide habitat for wildlife. Chris Howard dedicated his recent 15 Marathons in 15 days to planting trees.

Habitat Restoration

Habitat restoration involves restoring natural areas that have been damaged or degraded. This can involve removing invasive species, planting native plants, and restoring wetlands and other ecosystems. Chaz Powell, the only person ever to have walked the length of the Zambezi, dedicates his life to Habitat Restoration in the Cairngorms.

Trail Maintenance

Trail maintenance involves repairing and maintaining hiking trails and other public access areas. This can help to improve safety and accessibility for hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts.

Leading a walking group

Leading a walking group with a SplashMap provides an opportunity to explore new places in all weathers and discover hidden gems in your local area. Head for the Mountains like Cathy and Petra of Wild Mountain NI, or champion the lowlands with short strolls to longer hikes, so you can choose a route that suits your group’s fitness level and interests. Find out more here. Exploring new places can be a great way to learn about the history and culture of your community.

You can make a positive impact

Volunteering outdoors is a great way to make a positive impact on the environment and the community while also improving your physical and mental health. By participating in park and beach cleanups, tree planting and garden maintenance, habitat restoration, and trail maintenance, you can help to create a healthier and more sustainable world. So, why wait? Join the movement and revitalise your community through the power of volunteering outdoors!

Why The Ramblers?

Ramblers is a UK-based charity that promotes walking for health and enjoyment, and their volunteers play a crucial role in making this mission a reality. Because SplashMaps are famed for their unique contribution to exploring the outdoors, of course we celebrate the Ramblers resilient volunteers for all their hard work.