OS Champion

Ben Smith

Meet Ben Smith – Dad, environmentalist, adventurer, sports lover, cow whisperer, coffee drinker

What drives you to spend time outside?

The fresh air, wind, rain and views.

Where are your favourite places to go?

Wimbledon Common (and other green spaces in the World’s first National Park City), Crooksbury Hill, South Downs, The Witterings, Surrey Hills, Peak District, Lake District.

What is your favourite thing to do outdoors?

Walk, run, cycle, ski, camp, swim, paddleboard…play

Who inspires you and how?

My parents because they’ve taken big risks and made it work. My wife. She always presents another perspective and she makes me smile. Our children inspire me too! David Attenborough for being David Attenborough. Greta Thunberg – because every person counts and because leadership can come from anywhere.

What are your focuses this year to help people get outside more often?

Visit new places, start and maintain a blog, get my friends and family involved.

What are your 3 biggest life achievements?

1. My family being reasonably content (I hope). 2. Minor sporting highlights – from football, running and skiing. 3. Corporate and charitable achievements – publications, projects, awards that I’m proud of and which might lead to positive environmental outcomes.

3 words you live by…

Love, listen, learn

Do you have any guilty pleasures?

A very occasional blast on a motorbike, and scones

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