We protect what we love

FRIDAY . 20 . 08 . 21 .

Well done wonderful people, you made it to the end of another week!

And a particularly trying one at that.  

Extended (and new) lockdowns, the IPCC declaring a ‘code red’ for humanity and now the crisis unfolding in Afghanistan, the bad news just seems to be compounding and a sense of overwhelm is setting in.

In times like this, I turn to the advice of the always inspiring Bob Brown… “Don’t get depressed, get active”. As someone that is all about wild places, moving outdoors is my go-to, to escape the endless news cycle and thoughtless scrolling. Embracing the always changing August weather of wind, rain and occasional spring sunshine always makes things feel a little more manageable.  

Here at For Wild Places, we believe we protect what we love. And we need to protect the wild places in our lives, whether it’s the creek at the end of our street or the wilderness of takayna/Tarkine. So, whether you’re running, walking, cycling, talking to a friend on the phone or listening to a podcast, I encourage you to get outside and get to know your local wild places. I always find I am a lot more rational and positive after some time on the trails and am in a better headspace to confront the challenges that lie ahead.

This week we are bringing you a few updates and actions that will bring some positivity and purpose to your Friday afternoon.

FWP is now a 1% For the Planet Nonprofit Partner!

We are incredibly excited to join the global 1% For the Planet community, joining a network of businesses, individuals and nonprofift organizations to accelerate environmental philanthropy. The 1% for the Planet network creates a sense of urgency and aspiration— because giving back is no longer optional, it’s essential for our future. Only 3% of total philanthropic giving goes to environmental causes worldwide - and we are stoked that 1% for the Planet are on a mission to change that. 

Find participating 1% For the Planet businesses and nonprofits in your area here, or learn how you can be 1% better here.

takayna Trail 2022

Image: Tim Cooper, Bob Brown Foundation

Yesterday the team from the Bob Brown Foundation launched takayna Trail 2022, which will take place on Saturday 26th February, 2022. Race Lead (and FWP co-founder) Majell Backhausen has been busy scouting some new trails for the 20km and (potentially) +50k events, which will traverse the beautiful old growth forests (and a few puddles) around Warratah, Lutruwita.

Over the past 3 years the event has been running, takayna Trail has raised over $600,000 to support the BBF and their forest defenders in protecting takayna/Tarkine. Despite getting a reprieve on the MMG Tailings Dam (for now), Venture Minerals are still mining iron-ore in the heart of takayna. Take a few minutes to send an email to Environment Minister Sussan Ley, asking her to protect these biodiverse and beautiful native forests. 

For more information or to sign up for takayna Trail 2022,

check out the event website.  

Paddle out against seismic testing in Bass Strait

Image: Jarrah Lynch

On Sunday, I joined a bunch of local surfers and environmental campaigners in the shadow of the giant seismic testing vessel, Geo Coral, before it departed for three months of seismic testing in the Otway Basin.

Just two weeks ago, the federal government’s offshore oil and gas regulator approved this project, which will take place just 23 kilometres west of King Island, including in part of the Zeehan Marine Park. Offshore oil and gas projects are a recurring threat to these waters, with PEP 11 threatening the coast between Newcastle and Sydney, and drilling licences being considered for new gas right next to the iconic 12 Apostles in Victoria.

There is nothing good about the exploration or extraction of offshore gas - seismic testing is proven to kill marine life such as scallops, as well as harm larger marine life. Offshore drilling is incredibly risky, expensive, and most notably, in direct contradiction with the International Energy Agency’s report that stated if the global energy sector wants to achieve net zero by 2050, there can be no new coal, oil or gas projects worldwide. The findings of the recent IPCC report is the cherry on top - The Climate Council has concluded that Australia should reduce emissions by 75% below 2005 levels by 2030, and achieve net zero emissions by 2035. Fossil fuels are not our future.

The good news is that there are plenty of actions you can take to tell our elected representatives that you don't support offshore exploration and drilling along the Australian coastline. Head to Surfrider Australia to oppose PEP 11, Surfers for Climate to say No Way in the Otways and The Greens Victoria to sign an open letter to Premier Dan Andrews to oppose drilling near the 12 Apostles. Or better yet, get put you name behind all three!

Here at FWP we are incredibly thankful to the many hardworking organisations like Surfrider, Surfers for Climate, No Gas Across the Bass and OCEAN for taking a stand against these projects that will have a devastating effect on our oceans and our climate. We are all fighting for the same thing - a safe, healthy and fair future for all humans, and it’s going to take every one of us to turn this ship around.

💙 🐋 🌏

A huge thank you to all that take the time to read to the end on these newsletters - we appreciate your time and support immensely. Until next week, stay strong, safe and connected and be sure to send any feedback or way. We'd love to hear from you.

And as always, a huge thank you for taking the time for wild places.

Hilary & the For Wild Places crew.

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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 newsletter was written on the stolen lands of the Wadawurrung and Eastern Maar people of the Kulin nation.

To these people, we pay our respects.

Always was, always will be.

By For Wild Places

We're a group of adventurers who love to

protect wild places we run on