Since working for Tentsile, I have often found there is an irony that, for an outdoors company, I spend much of my time inside, at a desk, behind a computer. Much of what I do is meeting people, making collaborations, and making sure Europe and the rest of the world are fully stocked with our tree tents, so people can get out and about enjoying trees and the great outdoors. But sometimes, here at Tentsile, we want to get in on some of this outside action too.
And that is why, when I had the opportunity to go up and out to the Peak District in Northern England, I jumped at the chance. I was asked to help set up a tent for the oldest camping magazine in the world, The Camping and Caravanning Club, with a readership of 280,000. What an honour. And just what I was after. So I made the four hour trip from London with excitement and anticipation. And when I got there I was not disappointed.
After everything was rigged – tent, fly, mic – I finally had the opportunity to look around and see where I was. And all at once, I was back in what Tentsile is really about – being out, being up, and having the space to watch and listen to the world around me. Looking out over the Peaks of England, I was brought again to the wonder of what it means spending time in nature, something that gets missed in the daily melee of inner London. The quietness, the stillness, the gentle spring air and the comfort of birds, along with the northern drizzle and flask of tea.
Here I was, miles away from anywhere, but again feeling all at one with everything around me. Tentsile provides that; suspended in the air, it seems to suspend much more, offering a moment to think, clear the mind, forget about the sirens and the cars, the computers and the screens. Being lifted really did lift the spirit. Being elevated really did give me chance to remind myself why getting off my chair and out into landscape is so important. It wasn’t a long moment, but it was all I needed. It did what it had to do. There are many benefits to working at Tentsile, and this is most certainly one of them. And I enjoyed every minute of it. It gave me the chance to get out again.
Before getting into my car and heading back into London to answer emails and ensure that others get playing, camping and exploring the world around them.
