We protect what we love

FRIDAY . 03 . 05 . 21 .

Good morning and happy Monday!

We hope you had a wonderful and safe weekend!

We apologise that the newsletter is a little late this week. There has been so much happening at FWP headquarters, and we’re so excited to be sharing it all with you.

FOREST DEFENDERS

Patagonia film screening.

Paige presenting about 'For Wild Places' at the Patagonia film screening of Forest Defenders.

As you may have seen on our social media, our team were fortunate to attend Patagonia screeners of the ‘Forest Defenders’ film in various stores across Australia. Filmed during the 2019/2020 summer, the documentary follows the daily life and dramatic actions of volunteers who are fighting to protect the ancient Tarkine forest from commodification and trade. The sheer determination and passion of these ‘forest defenders’ is captured, and their persistence in fighting a battle against local and state governments, police and Tasmania’s voracious native forest logging industry is inspiring.

FWP’s co-founder, Simon Harris, is the co-creator of the Takayna Trail Run - an ultra that seeks to save this beautiful Tarkine Rainforest - and his experience has been captured in this We Are Explorers article.

Following the success of the Takayna Trail Run, FWP is working hard to bring you the Pilliga Ultra - our first official running event that supports the Wilderness Society’s campaign to protect the Pilliga Forest and surrounding ecosystem and local communities from the impact of fossil fuel extraction. Trail Running Magazine and We Are Explorers have both captured the ‘behind-the-scenes’ work that FWP is doing to bring you this incredible opportunity.

You can access these Pilliga-ultra articles via the following links:

We Are Explorers: https://weareexplorers.co/pilliga-ultra/

Trail Running Magazine: https://www.trailrunmag.com/2021/04/28/would-you-run-to-save-the-pilliga-forest/ 

Whilst working on these projects, the FWP team are constantly inspired by the stories of those around us. Check out who we're following, what we're reading, and what is inspiring us this week.

WHO WE'RE FOLLOWING

@crashboombang and @earth_crosser

Stephanie Gardner and Sara Pedrosa are the personification of warmth and happiness. Not only do their Instagram posts capture the sense of adventure that is realised through trail running, but they capture the community-spirit that can often be overlooked. Running is often perceived as an individual activity, but a very brief glance at their Instagrams shows how interconnected running and their sense of social solidarity actually is. Their posts are jam packed with action-adventure, including sky-diving, climbing and trail running. You'll also get to meet Steph's ducks and furry friend, Billy.

My favourite part are their Instagram stories - Steph's bubbly laugh and Sara's high energy will penetrate your screen and make you want to go running. Their stories include funky music, GIFs, emoji's and polls.

You can check out their instagram feeds here: @crashboombang and @earth_crosser.

CONSCIOUS SHOPPING

The Finders Keepers Market

The Finders Keepers market combines art, food, community spirit and live music, all under the one roof to "connect, inspire and empower the creative community". Finders Keepers promotes conscious consumerism and supports small businesses by featuring the work of independent makers and designers from across Australia.

The Finders Keepers Indigenous Program provides a platform of visibility and support to increase access to opportunity and support Indigenous makers.

As someone who has attended these markets on multiple occasions, I can confirm that you will not be disappointed. From handmade jewellery to screen printed native fauna tea-towels, handmade ceramics, sustainably made clothing, and beautifully crafted candles, the products are mindfully made, thoughtfully bought. I highly recommend getting a group of friends together and exploring this fabulous event either online or in person.

WHAT ELANOR IS READING

“Strange Harvests: The hidden histories of seven natural objects” by Edward Posnett

It wasn’t just the intricate details of the scientific illustrations on the cover that grabbed my attention whilst exploring Berkelouw books in Paddington, but the word ‘strange’ in any title seems like an opportunity to broaden my repertoire of random knowledge. I spontaneously purchased this book.

I spontaneously purchased this book, and am Weaving together anthropology, nature, history and travel writing, I am captivated by the delicacy in which seven natural objects - Eiderdown, Vicuna fibre, sea silk, vegetable ivory, civet coffee, guano and edible birds’ nests - is captured. The very first chapter depicts the intimate and interdependent relationship between Eider birds and Icelandic locals, and immediately made me appreciate the wonders of nature. Any trail runner would appreciate the stories behind these natural wonders.

I recommend picking up a copy at your local Berkelouw bookstore.

PILLIGA ULTRA UPDATE

The For Wild Places and The Wilderness Society team have collectively decided to change the date of the Pilliga Ultra to later in the year.

The new date will be 31 July 2021.

There are a number of reasons why we came to this decision. First and foremost, we want to ensure we create the biggest impact we can for the community around the Pilliga.

Due to conflicts with other major events, many people wanted to register but are not able to, and we want as many of you to take part and raise the much-needed funds to support the campaign as possible!

We hope you will be able to run with us on 31 July 2021 to save the

Pilliga Forest.

Click here to find out more and register.

Have a wonderful week and we'll be in contact with you again on Friday with some more updates ✌️

And as always, thank you for taking the time for wild places 🙏🏼

Elanor & the For Wild Places crew.

CHECK US OUT ON INSTAGRAM

We acknowledge the the First Nations people who have been custodians of land, waters and culture for tens of thousands of years. We pay respects to First Nations Elders past, present and emerging. This email was created on the lands of the Gadigal people of the Eora nation.

Always was, always will be.

By For Wild Places

We're a group of adventurers who love to

protect wild places we run on