At this time of year, many of us slow down and reflect on what really matters. For me, that reflection often happens outdoors. The mountains, in particular, have always represented freedom and connection – but whether it’s snowy peaks, wild coastlines, or local hills, these places do more than inspire us. They shape who we are and hold some of our most meaningful memories.
That’s why it’s so hard to ignore the reality we’re facing: the places we love are changing, and not for the better.
Climate change is no longer a distant warning. It’s already affecting how — and whether — we can enjoy the outdoors at all. Shorter winters, unpredictable conditions, and damaged landscapes are becoming part of everyday experience for our community.
As we look ahead to a new year, one thing is clear: this isn’t a future we’re willing to accept. That’s why Protect Our Winters UK exists.
POW UK brings together outdoor enthusiasts, athletes, businesses, and everyday adventurers to turn our shared love for the outdoors into meaningful climate action. We focus on the changes that matter most — from cleaner transport and renewable energy to a just transition away from fossil fuels. While individual action is important, it isn’t enough on its own. Real progress requires collective action, and our role is to unite the millions who make up the outdoor community into a powerful, shared voice for systemic change.
This year, that work took a major step forward with the launch of our Clean Miles campaign. Transport is one of the biggest contributors to climate change — and to the outdoor industry’s carbon footprint. Too often, accessing the outdoors means flying or driving because low-carbon alternatives are expensive, unreliable, or simply not designed for adventure. Clean Miles is about changing that system, by campaigning for public transport that is affordable, well connected, and works for people travelling with skis, bikes, boards, and backpacks.
As Chair of Trustees, I see the impact POW UK is already having — empowering people to speak up, equipping organisations to cut their carbon footprint, and influencing decision-makers so that climate-friendly choices become the easy choices.
If you’re looking for a meaningful way to give back, your support can help protect the places we all love. Your donation will help drive real progress through the Clean Miles campaign, train more advocates through Carbon Literacy, and support businesses to make meaningful reductions to their carbon footprint.
