Directors Jess, Tom and Stu created Ethical Activities CIC because they felt things needed to be done differently in the UK outdoors. Inclusion is often talked about but the Adventure Equity to make it happen was often missing.
Stu and Tom met while kayaking on the river Thames in London, soon after that they were working together at an activity company on the Beaulieu River in Hampshire and even living together! Jess and Tom worked together delivering outdoor education for alternative provisions and collaboratinbg on a not-for-porfit basis was the logical progression.
As their friendship blossomed so did their drive to make positive change in the outdoor industry. They realised, the outdoors isn’t really free and isn’t really accessible to everyone, so they set out to try and change that, setting up an activity company that was ethical by name and nature, which is why they chose to set up a not-for-profit community interest company.
We want to support as many people and groups as possible so Ethical Activities CIC has two bases: Ringwood in Hampshire and Plymouth in Devon. Making the most of the two National Parks, The New Forest and Dartmoor, as well as the stunning coastlines and waterways.
Stu – Plymouth & Dartmoor
Migrating from the Beaulieu river to the river Dart, heading up the Plymouth Ethical Activity CIC base, they also work as a visiting lecturer at Marjon university, have set up NeuDICE, another not-for-profit community interest company, supporting neurodivergent entrepreneurs.
They are a well seasoned white water kayaker and mountain biker, and if they’re not working, in a bike or boat, they will be exploring the Devon coast and Dartmoor National Park with their family.
Tom – Ringwood & The New Forest
Staying in Hampshire, Tom moved from managing an activity centre, to working in residential child care for children in crisis, he now works as an Outdoor Education Teacher in a Pupil Referral Unit. Using his wealth of experience in boats and bikes, in the local area, he continues to use the outdoors as a learning platform, during his main job and running the Ringwood Ethical Activities CIC base.
Like Stuart, Tom can be found floating in a boat or biking down a hill if he isn’t spending time with his family or working on new projects.
Jess – Swanage & The Jurassic Coast
Jess is a highly qualified outdoor educator and water safety specialist with over a decade of experience delivering meaningful, practical learning in wild places. She holds a huge array of national awards including NCC Guide Award Provider, Summer Mountain Leader, Rock Climbing Instructor, Beach Lifeguard Trainer/Assessor, RLSS Water Safety and NWSMP Trainer/Assessor, and FREC 4-level medic.
She’s led international expeditions, trained lifeguards, and worked across beaches, mountains, and remote coastlines.
