The Outdoor Guide Foundation is the not-for-profit arm of The Outdoor Guide - a digital walking resource for the nation developed by outdoor television presenter Julia Bradbury and her sister, Gina Bradbury Fox. “Find It · Share It · Live It”

Our mission is to make the outdoors accessible to everyone - and that starts with children. Ambassador and Children's TV presenter Gemma Hunt is an integral part of the team and wholeheartedly supports our quest to enable kids to experience nature, whatever the weather.

So Why Is It So Important?

“We are living through a physical and mental health crisis. A third of families whose children attend state primary schools live below the poverty line, and not having the right kit is a very real barrier to children enjoying the benefits of getting and playing outdoors. The Waterproofs & Wellies campaign ensures that children have the opportunity to explore, learn and truly enjoy nature, regardless of the weather conditions, by equipping schools with the basics – a waterproof jacket, over trousers and wellies. Our goal, with the support of individuals and businesses like Rohan and Nikwax, is to gift 10 sets of waterproofs and wellies to every state primary school in the UK, approximately 20,000 of them!” Gina Bradbury Fox, CEO, The Outdoor Guide

“I am thrilled to be supporting this and encouraging more children to get outside in all weather! These packs have been sourced as the basic gear that will allow children to have wonderful outdoor experiences.” Julia Bradbury

We’re not talking about anything technical – a pair of Wellington boots, a waterproof jacket and trousers, and you’re ready for anything. We have been negotiating with suppliers and have the support of Dunlop to find a cost-effective way of making these kits available.

This is how your donation can support children across schools in the UK.

£35.00 – will buy and deliver 1 complete kit to a school

£350.00 – will buy and deliver 10 complete kits to a school

£1,400 – will buy and deliver 40 complete kits to 4 schools

£10,000 – will provide kits for schools you choose in a specific area but also welcome you as a The Outdoor Guide Foundation charity partner for 12 months.

What are the barriers to getting children outdoors? Anecdotally, we’ve been told that the main reason children aren’t getting outdoors is the lack of appropriate clothing for the inclement weather we have here in the UK.

Chris Rowley, a teacher from the West Pennine Moors, told us. “Currently, we plan ahead and text parents to bring in the suitable kit; this has drawbacks as the clothing is forgotten or inappropriate for that day’s weather. It would be so nice to be able to grab 30 Waterproofs and wellies straight off the shelf and go out into the countryside at a moment’s notice. Sadly, as a small school, funding is extremely tight, and we only have a limited number of children who have supported funding.”

Thank you for your valuable support; for further information and to find out how you could get involved or help with our aims, please email gina@theoutdoorguide.co.uk or visit The Outdoor Guide Foundation

The Outdoor Guide is a free online hub for all things walking in the UK. The site provides suggested walking routes along with recommendations for places to visit, experience, eat, drink and sleep along the way. For more information, please visit The Outdoor Guide · Find It · Share It · Live It