Tree climbing course launched at the Telegraph Outdoor Adventure & Travel Show
In a bid to save the lost art of tree climbing, activity company Live the Adventure is launching the UK’s first tree scaling course at the Telegraph Outdoor Adventure and Travel Show
The dying art of tree climbing will be making a comeback at this year’s Telegraph Outdoor Adventure and Travel Show, when activity and adventure company Live the Adventure will be launching its first ever tree-climbing courses, introducing children and adults alike to the joys of scaling branches.
Thirty years ago the idea of encouraging children to climb trees might have seemed as ridiculous as training cats to chase birds. For anyone born pre-1985 tree climbing, with its minor element of risk, was as much a part of childhood as scabby knees and snotty noses. Yet three decades on, it’s a rite of passage which is in danger of being obliterated by the Health and Safety concerns or the more sedentary pleasures associated with video games like Minecraft.
Outdoor training expert Ant Eddies-Davies, who runs the activity company Live the Adventure in Shropshire, fears tree climbing is a skill that could disappear entirely if efforts aren’t made to save it. He says: ”In less than a decade’s time the art of climbing trees and map-reading will be lost unless children are given more access to outdoor sports and education.” Which is why Ant is passionate about helping children discover and use natural adventure playgrounds.
A highly experienced instructor, Ant trains everyone from the UK emergency services and international defence forces, to schools and youth groups. He believes children are leading such digital, protected lives that they are missing out on other fundamental skills and experiences. He says: ”We have children who have become so used to a sedentary lifestyle that they can barely get themselves out of the minibus, let alone up a rope ladder. They’re too interested in their phones, or computer games, and even those that seem quite sporty have been kept on such a tight leash by their parents that they’re afraid to challenge themselves.”
The tree climbing courses are being introduced at this year’s Outdoor Show in an effort to reignite children’s thirst for adventure. The courses aren’t just for children though; adults too can rediscover the exploits of their youth and whole families can turn off their screens and enjoy the experience together.
Ant says: “There is something truly amazing about being outside in the fresh air, and doing the things that my generation took for granted when they were children. Imagine not being able to climb a tree? Or, worse still, not being bothered whether you climb it or not because you’re too busy shooting people on a computer game.”
Tree climbing courses are suitable for children aged eight and over with packages for individuals, families, schools, clubs, as well as corporate team building events. There are even options for stag and hen parties who are up for a challenge.
So if you can’t remember the last time you climbed a tree, and want to push yourself, or your children, to new heights, then make sure you visit Live the Adventure at this year’s show. Tree climbing could be set for a revival.
The Telegraph, Becky Dickinson
For more information about the forthcoming activity please visit our website
When: Live the Adventure will be present every day at the The Telegraph Outdoor Adventure and Travel Show – Driven by SEAT – from February 12-15, 2015
Where: at the London ExCeL Centre
Opening times: 1pm-8pm (Thursday), 10am-5pm (Friday), 9am-6pm (Saturday), 9am-5pm (Sunday).
Admission prices: Saturday and Sunday: family ticket £40, adult £17, over-60s £12, nine to 16-year-olds £4. Thursday and Friday: family ticket £30, adult £14, over-60s £8, nine to 16-year-olds £2.
Tree Climbing - new addition to Adventure Centre portflio - Live the Adventure
Tree climbing Live the Adventure