Ground-breaking scheme that trains expedition leaders form diverse groups is launched...

...By adventure group GoTread.

Marginalised groups who rarely set foot in nature are now leading expeditions, thanks to new training from not-for-profit UK adventure firm, GoTread. It’s 'Diversity in Adventure' programme, which started at the beginning of 2021, takes members of the community who have an interest in the outdoors but have never had a chance or the means to act on it.

They are then trained up to design and lead tours of their own. This initiative is part of GoTread’s effort to support underrepresented groups as it campaigns for #DiversityinAdventure in National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) across the South of England.

Tino Manyika and Norah Chilaka began thinking about life as expedition leaders while in lockdown in 2020. Earlier this year they joined the GoTread training programme. Toni says of her first caving adventure: “I didn’t know what to expect but it turned out to be one of my favourite experiences. Challenging myself to keep going was really empowering. I look forward to giving it another go soon!”

But there is still more to do.

A 2020 survey found the percentage of women passing mountain training courses in the UK was 33.9% just up from 25.5% in 2015.*

Not-for-profit GoTread was established by Mel Irfan in 2015 to address the growing problem for those who live or work in urban areas and struggle to get outside and explore our green spaces. It brings people closer to the UK’s National Parks and AONB in a unique pay-what-you-can system.

Mel said: “Meaningful inclusivity starts with diversifying expedition leadership. We saw an opportunity to make a difference and feed it back into the community. Not only are we cultivating a sense of exploration and a desire to connect with nature, but we are also training people, developing their skills and increasing inclusivity and representation.”