Growing up I was always outside with my brother. We had a big back garden to play tennis, ride our bikes, create dens, mud pies and go karts. As we got older we used to spend a day out on foot or on our bikes taking our pack lunch and heading off down the lanes, over the downs and off exploring. Our parents were strict in so many ways but when it came to the outdoors they allowed us a freedom and an independence that was amazing. It was our time. An adventure waiting to happen. The excitement of getting your lunch ready and waving goodbye to our Mum and Dad. The only deal was to be back by a certain time or when the street lights turned on. We didn't have a mobile phone, we had 20p for the phone box, should we need it but that was it. It was only looking back quite recently that I realised that this was one of the many reasons I turn to the outdoors when I am in need. It is why I get agitated if I haven't been outside at least once in a day. My parents gave me the gift of the outdoors; to treat it respectfully and then see how much we got back in return.
