Friend Of The Blend - Vol. 1

Outdoor Living & Micro-Adventures with Tom Sparrow - (@tomsparrowoutdoors)

“Microadventures are all about using the pockets of time we have in normal day to day life to get outside and connect with nature around us, and do something that’s perhaps slightly beyond our comfort zone.”

1. Let’s kick things off at the start, where did your love for the outdoors begin? Was there a moment, place or person that sparked it all?

Without a doubt, my family. My mum always allowed my brother and I a lot of freedom growing up (we lived in Jersey in the channel islands) I remember around age 8 or 9 cycling to a woods a few miles away and building dens, and playing on the beach until we were called in for dinner. It was pretty idyllic and definitely set me up to see the outdoors as my number one source of fun!

2. You’re a bit of a micro-adventure master. How do you define a micro-adventure, and why do they matter to you? Any recent favourites you’d recommend for those of us needing a quick nature-fix?

Microadventures are all about using the pockets of time we have in normal day to day life to get outside and connect with nature around us, and do something that’s perhaps slightly beyond our comfort zone. They are really important to me as I think most people don’t have the time or resources to do long term travel, at least not regularly! Microadventures are my way of getting out of my normal routine and resetting. I recently left my house about 8:30pm or a camp on a beach near me in a bivvy bag, and got back about 9am - just over 12 hours! It was a short amount of time, but all that I needed!

3. We’re always on the lookout for a good read to throw in the rucksack. What are your top 3 outdoor or adventure books to get stuck into around the campfire?

Microadventures by Alastair Humphries - the seminal classic! I lvoe the wild places by Robert Macfarlane, but all of his work is brilliant if you’re into nature writing. Finally ‘500 mile walkies’ a light take on the one man’s journey on the South West Coast Path - it had me crying with laughter last time I read it.

4. You seem to know your way around a camp stove, what’s your go-to meal to cook outdoors, especially on the coast?

I have recently been cooking lots of stews, my favourite being a chickpea one which is so simple and just requires a bit of tie. Simmer chopped onions, ginger and garlic (bring some cumin,tumeric, coriander and chilli in an empty field blends tin and add this too) till soft. Then add 1x chickpeas, 1 x coconut milk and a stock cube and cover with water, leave for twenty minutes or so, and you’re done!

5. Lots of people want to get outside more, but going solo can feel a bit daunting. Any advice for folks wanting to take that first step into solo adventure?

Let your commute (and or lunchtime walk, dog walk etc) be the first step. Turn right instead of left, take that path you’ve noticed but never tried, and I bet you will be surprised at the places you stumble upon, likely less than a mile from your front door!

6. If you could only pack 3 bits of kit for your next wild escape, what would they be and why? (We know it’s hard to choose!)

Bivvy bag, sleeping bag and a mat - it’s all you really need for a night out!

7. A Field Blends Flash Round!

Campfire questions:

• Favourite season to get outside? Late Spring - can’t beat 16 hours of daylight! 

• Coast, Mountains, Fields or Forest? Mountains please, I don’t live near so they ate such a treat 

• Sunrise hike or sunset swim? Brutal choice - sunrise hike 

• Go to coffee order? Cortado (sorry for being pretentious) 

• Tent, cabin, or under-the-stars? Under the stars 

• Dream hiking destination? Scotland’s forever in my heart, despite being a cruel mistress with the weather! 

8. What’s next for you? Any upcoming adventures, plans or places you’re dreaming of exploring next?

I want to do more adventures along Rivers or the coast, using kayaks or Stand up paddle boards - aside from that any time outside is good time!