Two upcoming events for outdoor writers, photographers, and creators

These events are very different, but they both aim to approach the same question: how can we make the world of outdoor and adventure media better?

Writing Inclusion into the Outdoors by Mary-Ann Ochota (free online event, 22nd of May 2024)

Mary-Ann Ochota is a well-known anthropologist, writer, and broadcaster who is active in the British outdoor community. She's a member of the Outdoor Writers and Photographers Guild, and I met her at our Big Weekend last year – we had many interesting chats.

Although diversity and inclusivity are both improving, and the situation is far better than it was 15 years ago – when you might read an entire issue of TGO without seeing a beardless writer – much work still needs to be done. 'Our wild landscapes and activities should be for all of us, equally,' Mary-Ann said last year, and I agree. If barriers to inclusivity exist, it's our responsibility to help break them down.

For the first time, the OWPG is hosting a free open online event. Mary-Ann Ochota will explore the issue, the solutions, and our responsibilities to make outdoor media more welcoming, accessible and representative of all people. Free tickets here (signup required).

I'm looking forward to this, and I know I'll learn a great deal that I can hopefully put into practice in my own work.

Sidetracked: the Elements Festival (Kudhva, Cornwall, 14th–16th of June 2024)

To my amazement, Sidetracked magazine is now in its tenth year, and for the last couple of months I have been working with the rest of the team to put together Volume 30 – our special ten-year anniversary edition. As part of the celebration, we're hosting a unique, one-of-a-kind event in Cornwall next month.

Elements is all about celebrating the best of the outdoors community – and of Sidetracked. We've chosen Kudhva as the venue, and will be hosting a huge range of activities over a single weekend. In addition to trail running, surfing, hiking, foraging, climbing, outdoor cooking, talks, and music, we're also offering workshops on photography, film-making, and writing from the Sidetracked crew and contributors. I'll be there, helping my lovely colleagues Jenny Tough, Emily Woodhouse, and Daniel Neilson pass on our own knowledge about outdoor writing. We're even bringing along a Sidetracked bookshop, which will be managed by my wife Hannah.

So much for celebrating the good – what about how we can make the world of outdoors media better? Passing on knowledge can help to achieve that, as can the new connections and relationships made at an in-person event such as this. Creativity doesn't blossom over video calls, but it does when you put a bunch of talented folk together in one place and send them off on adventures.

I'll leave you with the words of John Summerton, our founder and creative director: 'In the last 10 years Sidetracked has become more than just a magazine and a website. It’s a community. Our core team is small, part time, and all based remotely, but we share the passion for creating something special.'

More information and ticket sales here. I know, tickets aren't cheap, but for what you get I think you'll agree that value is high. Can't wait to see some of you there next month.