Merrell has teamed up with Flock Together founder Ollie Olanipekun to encourage more people to explore the green spaces on their doorstep, hosting an urban hiking and birdwatching event in North London.
The event formed part of Merrell’s Outside In The City campaign, which aims to show that spending time outdoors doesn’t have to mean heading for the mountains or countryside. Instead, it celebrates the parks, trails and green corridors that can be found in towns and cities.
Participants joined Ollie for a guided walk through Parkland Walk, the former railway line that now serves as one of London’s longest nature reserves, before taking part in an urban birdwatching session highlighting the wildlife that thrives within the capital.
The event finished at Substation Studio in Finsbury Park, where attendees took part in a T-shirt customisation workshop and social gathering.
For many runners, the message will resonate. While weekend adventures in the hills are always appealing, many of us complete the majority of our training close to home. Local parks, canal towpaths, woodland trails and riverside routes can offer a welcome escape from busy streets without the need to travel.
Speaking after the event, Ollie Olanipekun said the hike demonstrated that nature is much closer than many people realise.
“Yesterday’s hike and birdwatching session was a perfect example of the natural beauty we can access right here in the city. It’s all about making the most of our own environment and truly experiencing everything it has to offer.”
Merrell says its Outside In The City campaign is designed to encourage more people to experience the benefits of spending time outdoors, whether that’s for physical activity, mental wellbeing or simply connecting with nature in their local community.
