Ben Eley
Natasha Sones
Benefits of Being a Member of OWPG
OWPG new members
New OWPG members
Ben Eley
I
’ m a town planner , urban designer and heritage conservationist working in local government and based in London . I ’ ve negotiated a range of development projects through the planning process , from London ’ s tallest skyscrapers , to a new Museum of London , and the Illuminated River project , the longest public art commission in the world . I ’ ve advised on change to some of London ’ s most sensitive listed buildings , on tall building strategies and the conservation of London ’ s protected views .
Recently I ’ ve developed a freelance travel writing sideline , focused on walking and the outdoors . I ’ m a UNESCO-listed ‘ Dual Pilgrim ’ having walked thousands of kilometres of pilgrim trails from the Camino de Santiago ( c 800km ) to the Via Francigena between London and Rome ( c . 2200km ).
Natasha Sones
Having three children , a husband and four dogs I aim to make every day an adventure !
My passions are stand-up paddleboarding and wild swimming . A recent big adventure was doing a solo adventure paddle around Finnish islands , courtesy of the Adventure Queens Grant . Another recent adventure was taking in the GlaGla SUP race in the Alps – the craziest , coldest SUP race in the world .
I am currently researching and writing a book for Vertebrate Publishing , Wild Swimming in London and South East England .
have an outdoors adventures
I travel blog and I am honoured to be an ambassador for Red Paddle Co and Ordnance Survey . I write regular blogs for and review kit for both brands . I also write for travel magazines and websites .
I am the admin for wild swimming group the Bluetits , admin of a local paddlesports group and volunteer for the Adventure Queens , a UK-based not-for-profit women ’ s adventure community .
Follow me at @ natashastarseeker on Instagram to follow my adventures or my website www . natashasoneseditorial . com for more .
Benefits of Being a Member of OWPG
Why join the OWPG ? Well , there are lots of reasons , one being the Big Weekend annual gettogether , when many writers , photographers , editors and bloggers actual meet up and enjoy kindred company , professional development , outdoor activities and the annual Awards for Excellence . It ’ s the highlight of the OWPG year and continues to grow in attendance .
Mutual support and professional networking are integral to the OWPG ; the members ’ online Forum shares ideas , answers questions and provides help to those who request it .
Benefits include
Members ’ private Forum
Member Profiles and directory Membership Press Card
Advice Notes an invaluable library of regularly updated professional advice notes .
Zoom Talks relevant talks and CPD sessions .
Outdoor Focus magazine : written by members for members , it also displays their work , articles and photographs . It is delivered as a printed magazine to members and is distributed in digital form to the guild ’ s media and commercial contacts .
Substack OWPG ’ s online platform for subscriberbased articles .
Awards for Excellence annual awards in various categories , helping to promote members ’ work .
Discounts we have negotiated a range of discounts on outdoor gear , books and maps .
You can see that there are many benefits to being part of the OWPG . It can help you get a book deal , publish an article , learn new skills etc . But it ’ s more than that . The OWPG exists as a community of outdoor content creators . A cliché , yes , but a sense of belonging in an industry dominated by people who work alone is priceless .
Winter 2024 – 25 OUTDOOR FOCUS 3