We protect what we love

FRIDAY . 14 . 05 . 21 .

Greetings from the middle of nowhere!

My name’s Morwenna, but most people call me MJ. I’ve just joined the For Wild Places team, and I’m currently writing this week's newsletter from our van, parked under the stars in the middle of the desert, with two very tired dogs and one very tired fiancé as we make our way to our favourite surf beach.

While they (dogs and fiancé) sleep, and before we lose touch with the outside world, I’ll make the most of this opportunity to tell you a bit about me, what I’ve been up to, and what’s been inspiring me lately.

I’m from the UK and, when I’m not running, I can typically be found with my nose in a book (or three), eating too much peanut butter, or researching and getting involved with environmental campaigns.

If you keep reading, I’ll share what I’m up to, and what I’m reading, listening to and planning.

WHAT I'M DOING

Hubert 100 in The Flinders Rangers, South Australia

I’ve just completed my first ultra marathon, the Hubert 100 in The Flinders Ranges. I chose the 50k race because I wanted to experience part of South Australia I’d never visited before, and because I wanted to challenge myself in terms of both the terrain, and distance. I’m super stoked to have finished first, with a time of 6:03:38, but what I really came away with, was a sense of awe at the scenery and prehistoric geology.

WHAT I'M LISTENING TO

“Outrage and Optimism”, by Christian Figueres & others.

The title of this podcast alone sums up how I feel we should be responding to the climate crisis: we should be angry - very angry - but we also need home.

What I enjoy most about this podcast is that it includes perspectives I wouldn’t have considered, like that of BP CEO Bernard Looney, as well as those of environmentalists I really admire.

WHAT I'M READING

"The call of the Reed Warbler" by Charles Massy.

I work in a bookshop, so I always have a few books on the go! I’m currently reading “The Call of the Reed Warbler”, by Charles Massy, which is about regenerative agriculture.

WHAT'S INSPIRING ME

“Eating for Pleasure, People, and Planet”, by British “eco chef” Tom Hunt

A book that’s really inspired me lately is actually a cookbook!

“Eating for Pleasure, People, and Planet” is all about how to cook and eat sustainably and deliciously. It’s honestly revolutionised how I think about food -from how to eliminate waste, right through to which ingredients best benefit the planet.

If you ever get your hands on this cookbook, I recommend the brownie recipe - it's out of this world!

UTA PARTICIPANTS

A final message to all UTA participants and volunteers

We are sending all the good vibes and positive energy to everyone participating in, or volunteering at, the Ultra Trail Australia events over the weekend. Have the best time, stay safe, happy running and enjoy every single moment in Darug and Gundungurra Country (more commonly known as the Blue Mountains).

If you're wondering what running shirt(s) to wear, I highly recommend the "Blue Mountains Running Co. Indigenous inspired technical running t-shirt." The B.M.R.C., a family owned running store located in Glenbrook, invited Trent Duffy, @artisticone_, to create a unique design that captures the landmarks, tracks, waterways and wildlife of the Blue Mountains.

Women and men's t-shirt's are available via the Blue Mountains Running Co. website.

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

MJ & 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.

We also want to extend our respects to the Indigenous People of Darug and Gundungurra Country, where several of our team members will be spending time this weekend.

Always was, always will be.

By For Wild Places

We're a group of adventurers who love to

protect wild places we run on