Inside Out

Recent years has seen a real focus on time spent in the garden and a key element for many is their lawn. In this episode we meet Steff Dennis from HCT Turf who explains their work, shares top tips on lawn care and introduces the #ILoveMyDevonGarden photo competition which is helping to raise money for Countryside Mobility's work in providing access to the great outdoors. Enter the competition during June https://wesellturf.com/photo/ You could win a luxury hamper of Devon food and drink and each entry raises £1 towards Countryside Mobility. Support the show

Autumn is the perfect time to explore forests and woods and in this episode of Inside Out we explore three beautiful examples. Each is a recent addition to our network of hire locations offering an all terrain mobility scooter (Tramper) for hire opening access to these beautiful locations for visitors who may otherwise struggle. Our first visit takes us to Coed y Brenin in North Wales. This stunning location in the south of Snowdonia provides the perfect alternative to the honeypots further north in the National Park. I speak to Graeme Stringer from Natural Resources Wales who introduces me to its long standing appeal. Wyre Forest (operated by Forestry England) is another new partner but has such a significant historic importance that it also provides the name for the local council. I speak to Emily Brooks about her love for this Worcestershire forest. Between 25th and 31st October first time users of the Tramper hire can receive a free 2 week Tramper hire - pre booking is essential. Our final visit is to Cardinham Woods in a secluded spot beneath Bodmin Moor in Cornwall.  I discover the difference between a wood and a forest and why its a great place to visit year round. For more information on Countryside Mobility click hereWe'd love to hear how you are connecting with the countryside and getting outdoors. Connect and share your experiences with us at:Twitter: @CMSouthWestFacebook: @Countryside MobilitySupport the show

Naomi Hunt gives Inside Out a tour of the Powderham Estate just outside of Exeter. With over 600 years of history, this attraction provides a rich experience of heritage but also seeks to move with the times, welcoming a wide range of events and looking to widen the audience. One part of this wider welcome has been the introduction of an all terrain mobility scooter (Tramper) in partnership with Countryside Mobility which visitors can hire to explore the wider Estate including stunning views over the Exe Estuary from the Belvedere Tower.Many thanks to the Exeter Chiefs Foundation for the support towards the cost of purchasing the Tramper.  Find out more about Powderham Castle hereFind out more about Countryside Mobility and the Tramper hire at Powderham click hereSupport the show

The UK's National Parks are designated as the country's leading landscapes but differ from National Parks in other countries in remaining largely in private ownership and having residents living within them. This episode of Inside Out, from Countryside Mobility, explores the enduring appeal and challenges faced by these 'living landscapes'. We travel from one of the most visited, the Lake District, to one of the most undiscovered, Exmoor, also exploring how accesss for visitors is improving. In a two part interview, Dan James from Exmoor National Park Authority shares the inspiration that the Park has brought to many, introduces us to bolving (you'll see Dan as 'The Classic' at 2:29), explains how he works to help a thriving economy in keeping with the landscape and introduces their latest walking initiative - Exmoor Explorer Walks. More information on Photo Trails here.  Julia Walker from Lake District Mobility tells us her personal story of the inspiration behind the charity which is helping locals and visitors to access some of the National Park's most beautiful locations and the progress being made to improve access in Cumbria more generally. She also talks about how they are now helping another National Park, the North York Moors, to offer the same Tramper (all-terrain mobility scooter) hire service. Finally, we travel to the edge of the Cotswolds to discover an initiative encouraging locals and visitors to Return to the Hill. Project Officer, Jenny Griffiths from Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust introduces us to the iconic Robinswood Hill with its panoramic views across the city and countryside and the work she is doing to connect more people to its beauty. Keep in touch with the latest news and events via their Facebook Group. For more information on Tramper hire click here.  Support the show

In this episode of Inside Out, brought to you by Countryside Mobility, we reflect on where our love for nature begins as we speak to an outdoor activity centre about their role in introducing youngsters to nature and an outdoors film maker with a passion for connecting children with the countryside. The childhood theme continues as we visit National Trust Antony, recently used as a film location for Walt Disney's 'Alice in Wonderland' as they look to become more accessible and we introduce you to a competition inviting people to share what they love most about their garden. Mill on the Brue Outdoor Activity Centre: https://www.millonthebrue.co.uk/Save Outdoor Education: @saveoutdooredHolly Brega (outdoor filmmaker): https://hollybrega.com/Watch 'Explore the Woods' documentary: https://youtu.be/6YlVwObLYbQThrough the Trees podcast: https://hollybrega.com/2021/01/17/through-the-trees-podcast/National Trust Antony: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/antonyHire an all terrain mobility scooter (Tramper): https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/antony/features/hire-a-mobility-scooter-to-see-more-of-antony#ilovemygarden competition: https://wesellturf.com/ilovemygarden-competition/The competition launches in JuneWe'd love to hear how you are connecting with the countryside and getting outdoors. Connect and share your experiences with us at:Twitter: @CMSouthWestFacebook: @Countryside MobilitySupport the show

Listen to the latest audio adventure for outdoor lovers brought to you by Countryside Mobility, an award winning initiative from the charity, Living Options. Can listening to, and watching, nature in our homes benefit our wellbeing? Alex Smalley, from the Wellcome Centre for Cultures and Environments of Health at the University of Exeter has been investigating the potential through a collaboration with the BBC. Take part in the latest research:  bbc.co.uk/soundscapesforwellbeingCreate your own soundscape: https://sound-effects.bbcrewind.co.uk/Why are increasing numbers taking to open water swimming? We hear from a Seamus Bennett shares his passion for swimming off the Suffolk coast and how to get started if you fancy taking a dip. Outdoor Swimming magazine: http://www.outdoorswimmer.comThe Outdoor Swimming Society: https://www.outdoorswimmingsociety.com/Safer Seas Service app: https://www.sas.org.uk/safer-seas-service/Blue Flag beach locations: https://www.blueflag.global/all-bf-sitesSwimscapes (Felixstowe Open Water Swimming Group): https://www.facebook.com/groups/FelixstoweSwimscapesDurlston Country Park - England's leading accessible tourism location. Ali Tuckey gives us a taste of the year-round delights of this Dorset beauty spot and how they have worked to make its natural and historic attraction accessible. Durlston Country Park: https://www.durlston.co.uk/All terrain mobility scooters (Trampers): https://www.countrysidemobility.org/locations/durlston-country-parkWe'd love to hear how you are connecting with the countryside and getting outdoors. Connect and share your experiences with us at:Twitter: @CMSouthWestFacebook: @Countryside MobilitySupport the show

Our new series sets off by heading for the water. Seaton Wetlands is a nature reserve that welcomes a host of wildlife close to the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. We hear from two of the team what we can expect to see (including one sight that is unlikely to be spotted at any other reserve) and how they are working to make the reserve more accessible. While South West England is famous for its coastline, the beauty of its inland lakes are often overlooked by visitors. Their value as a place to escape and enjoy has, however, been underlined over the last year and Neil Reeves, from the South West Lakes Trust, shares his reflections on how visits have brought both opportunities and challenges in 2020. Chris Veitch, a leading expert on accessible tourism and, until recently, Vice Chair of Tourism for All, discusses the progress and barriers encountered by travellers with disabilities, how businesses need to wake up to the opportunities and how Tourism for All can help visitors identify the perfect trip for them. For Tourism for All's personalised support on travel planning click here.  Inside Out is brought to you by Countryside Mobility, an award winning initiative helping people to access the best of the South West countryside and coast, and is an initiative of Living Options.  We'd love to hear how you are connecting with the countryside and getting outdoors. Connect and share your experiences with us at:Twitter: @CMSouthWestFacebook: @Countryside MobilitySupport the show

With opportunities to book overnight trips to the countryside opening up again, Inside Out, looks at where to stay with a particular focus on accommodation that is accessible to all. VisitEngland shares how and why it is working with partners to make the UK, Europe's leading accessible destination.A former hotel inspector, David Falk, shares stories from days on the road staying incognito and awarding stars. We get a breath of fresh air at one of Devon's most popular beauty spots - Haldon Forest - and find out how they provide a great day out for the whole family. Those looking for ideas on where to stay will be inspired by our two pioneers - Hoe Grange, a holiday cottage and glamping business in the Peak District and Bespoke Hotels who are breaking new ground in combining luxury and accessibility. Inside Out is brought to you by Countryside Mobility, an award winning initiative helping people to access the best of the South West countryside and coast, and is an initiative of Living Options.  Support the show

With increasing evidence for the benefits of being outdoors on physical and mental health we explore just how much of a difference if makes. Dr Ben Wheeler from the European Centre for Environment & Human Health, part of the University of Exeter, shares the latest findings from the international research being gathered in their Beyond Greenspace project.  Kate Drake shares her experience from the South Downs as the country's youngest National Park is working to help people discover the 'healing power' of this special landscape.Watch the first of their virtual walks hereFurther west, in the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Stepping into Nature project is also making a difference as works with partners to provide activities that transform the lives for many. Jules Hammon, the project manager, tells us how. Our journey along England's south coast also takes in the beautiful National Trust Saltram. We speak to Becky Smith, who not only leads the Welcome team, but lives in the mansion. Inside Out is brought to you by Countryside Mobility, an initiative of the disability charity, Living Options Devon.  Support the show

The latest audio adventure sees us discovering how the beauty and heritage of woodlands is being revealed. Sue Middleton from Forestry England, explains how The Forester's Forest initiative is helping visitors and the local community to discover the fascinating heritage and improve opportunities to explore. Later in the episode local resident, Emma, shares how the Walking with Wheels project has transformed her ability to explore with friends and family. We head to Hardy's Birthplace in Dorset and discover how the rangers at Thorncombe Woods introduce people to the landscape that inspired the author as he grew up. Claire talks about the virtual walks that are continuing to provide access for people and gives an insight into the secrets that bluebells reveal. Debbie North, from Julia Bradbury's The Outdoor Guide, shares her love for the countryside and how her work to introduce people to accessible opportunities takes her around the country. More recently she has been helping Ordnance Survey to promote opportunities to #GetOutsideInsideWin a copy of 'A Brush with the Coast' - Cornish artist, Sasha Harding, has kindly given 3 copies of her beautiful account of walking round the South West Coast Path. Entries are open to 31 May. Click here to enter and full details.Inside Out is brought to you by Countryside Mobility, an initiative of the charity, Living Options. Support the show

Listen to Inside Out - the show that brings a taste of the outdoors to your home!This episode we're off to the coast - and a lot of coast too! The South West Coast Path runs for 630 miles and we speak to Julian Gray from the SW Coast Path Association, about what makes it so popular, his tips on getting to the end and how they're working to make it accessible to all. We stop off along the Path at the beautiful North Devon village of Woolacombe and find out from the Tourist Information Centre Manager, Rachel, what it is about the beach that has landed it numerous awards and top ratings in the UK, Europe and the world. And, if like me, you love the colours appearing in hedgerows at this time of year but are clueless about what you're looking at, Lizzy Stroud, will share her passion and knowledge to help us get started. We've even got a prize draw! To have a chance of winning a signed copy of the beautiful "A Brush with the Coast" book by Cornish artist, Sasha Harding, we want to know who you would like to walk the SW Coast Path with and why. Go on, give it a try:Put your answer in a comment on our special prize posts on social media - on Twitter, we're @CMSouthWest; on Facebook, just search for 'Countryside Mobility'Alternatively, send an email to info@countrysidemobility.org or post your name and contact number to Countryside Mobility, Living Options, Units 3-4, Cranmere Court Lustleigh Close, Exeter EX2 8PWFull terms and conditions are hereNational Trail - https://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/en_GB/World Trails - https://worldtrailsnetwork.org/Lizzy's recommended book - Wild Flowers by Colour by Marjorie BlameyInside Out is brought to you by Countryside Mobility, an initiative of Living Options DevonSupport the show

In this episode we discover a celebration of Americana in the English countryside, travel east to discover how groundbreaking research is helping more people access the countryside and find out more about the charity behind Countryside Mobility.Inside Out is brought to you by Countryside Mobility, an initiative of the charity, Living Options Devon. More information:Suffolk - http://www.discoversuffolk.org.uk/Suffolk Walking Festival - http://www.suffolkwalkingfestival.co.uk/American Museum & Gardens - https://americanmuseum.org/Living Options Devon - https://www.livingoptions.org/Support the show

Here's a little taste of what the Inside Outside show offers. Do listen and share with your friends and family. Inside Out is brought to you by Countryside Mobility, an initiative of the charity, Living Options.Support the show

In our first 'virtual venturing out' we head to one of Britain's most iconic coastal locations, Lulworth Cove, start exploring the world from your window, and find out how Trampers are transforming visits to the countryside. Inside Out is brought to you by Countryside Mobility, an initiative of the charity, Living Options DevonMore information:East Devon - https://eastdevon.gov.uk/countryside/Lulworth - https://www.lulworth.com/Trampers - https://www.countrysidemobility.org/Support the show