Friends of Nature UK

03/09/2025

Catch the autumn colours in the mountains above Lake Como in northern Italy... :)

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31/08/2025

Switzerland in the autumn anybody...? :)

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25/08/2025

Amusing thoughts from 10yrs ago! :)

Something to bring a smile for the Late Summer Holiday...

What I'm really thinking… a fascinating series of articles which used to appear in The Guardian newspaper/Guardian Weekly.

The following was submitted but never made it to press - some 10yrs later, it brings a smile as things often do not change that much! 🙂

"The Friends of Nature House Manager"

I run one of the many Friends of Nature houses across Europe/USA offering accommodation, open to all, but with a strong ethos on enabling people to explore the countryside and connect with their
surroundings.

Run on a shoe string, we have always tried to incorporate sustainability into everything we do. We have solar thermal for hot water in the sunnier times and a wood burning boiler stove for beginning/end season which also provides heating.
So, when you ask me, clad only in your t-shirt, if I can turn the heating up, don't be surprised if I first say have you tried putting on a sweater or fleece?. As explained on the web site when you made that booking, this is not a hotel...

Sorry to disappoint you further... No we don't have a TV, most staying want to escape the everyday trivia. We do however have wifi if you ask us nicely – but please just for checking e-mails and
timetables, not for aimless surfing. It kills conversation in the lounge area. Maybe try the GW on the coffee table...?

No we don't provide meals, but we do offer a large well equipped kitchen area where you can sit and talk whilst preparing and eating your own breakfast or supper. You may even find you like
talking to folk from different countries and walks of life and with different views and perspectives to your own. A window on the world maybe?.

You won't starve here either. Within a 5 minute walk there are 2 pubs which will do evening meal and breakfast if needed, which is great as part of our remit is to support the local economy. So
when you spend twice as much on food and drink than on your own private room here and then ask for a discount, please be aware that our organisation over the last 100 years has relied on the good will of volunteers to create the network of 800 houses that you are now enjoying.

On arrival I asked you whether you had a membership card and you complained at having to pay a small non-member supplement – get real!! Could you not instead consider joining us and
contributing to the goodwill of members who give their time for nowt?.

Oh, yes, talking of putting money into the local economy... having managed several houses over the years it would be nice just
to have a tiny bit of recognition from the local hostelries that we put maybe £25k of trade your way... perhaps just once a year a complementary drink?, or to say, “that meal is on us” when
coming to pay?!!

The Austrians have coined the phrase “We Live Nature” - it's more a way of living than a job – but what a great one. :)

(Submitted to The Guardian newspaper June 2016 - no reply forthcoming! :( )

Happy Days!!

01/07/2025

🌍📸 The PhotoChallenge 2025 starts TODAY!

Join in and show us what sustainable travel means to you! 🌿✨

📅 Submit your best photo by 15 November 2025 and get the chance to win amazing prizes:
🏕️ Overnight stays in Naturefriends Houses in Austria
🚆 Train tickets
🎒 Travel vouchers..and many more exciting rewards!

📸 How to participate:
🔹 Upload your photo at 👉 www.nf-int.org/photochallenge
OR
🔹 Post on Instagram with and tag
(Make sure your profile is set to public!)
📽️ More info here: nf-int.org/photochallenge
Be inspired by our video on sustainable travel: https://youtube.com/shorts/AOQva6u9_E4?feature=shared
Let’s motivate the world with sustainable travel stories! 🌱🌍

Discover the world on sustainable paths! Dive into foreign cultures. Get to know different people. Do something good for yourself and for others. In short: c...

25/06/2025

Happy 50th Birthday to International Young Naturefriends - IYNF 🎂
Wishing every success in the years to come...

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🎉 We’re turning 50 this year! 🎉

We’re kicking off “From Activist Roots to Naturefriend Routes: 50 Years of IYNF” 🌳, a look back at our journey of youth activism, sustainability and solidarity.

Over the next two months, stay tuned for stories from our past, highlights from today and ideas for building a greener future - plus ways you can join the celebration 💚 😉

04/05/2025

NFI News 04/2025 🥾🌍 🌳- Climate Hikes ~ Global Naturefriends Days Guideline ~ Conversation cycle: Romania
https://mailchi.mp/e00f48e18631/nfi_newsletter_april2025-8566514

22/04/2025

Great to see Earby in the spotlight... a cracking place to stay whether on the Pennine Way or just to enjoy the garden which must be a riot of bluebells at this time. Walk out the back gate right on to the hills - simply gorgeous!! :)

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18/04/2025

Happy Birthday and Many Congratulations to Swiss Naturefriends 🎂 They have a wonderful network of houses which we have used many times over the last 20yrs.

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21/03/2025

Friends of Nature: Frequently Asked Questions #10

In the coming days we will post answers to some common questions we get asked about Friends of Nature UK.

Q. What do Friends of Nature houses have to offer and where will I find them?

A. One of the benefits of our International Organisation is the network of some 700+ houses spread mainly across Europe, but also USA and further afield. Houses are generally located in rural countryside locations, encourage outdoor pursuits and the appreciation of nature and culture and can vary in facilities from a basic self-catering hut to an eco-hotel with food and en-suite bedrooms. They are often lovingly tended and managed by the local Friends of Nature group, many dating back to the early part of 20th Century - so quite a heritage!. Take the plunge and check out the offerings via the online portal: www.friendsofnaturehouses.net

Find out more:👇
UK Website www.friendsofnature.org.uk (click 'Join Us' for instant membership via online application form)
Join Online (direct link): https://membermojo.co.uk/friendsofnature
Global Houses website (lists circa 800 Naturefriends houses for you to stay in): www.friendsofnaturehouses.net
NFI (Umbrella Organisation - based Vienna): www.friendsofnature.org

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19/03/2025

Friends of Nature: Frequently Asked Questions #9

In the coming days we will post answers to some common questions we get asked about Friends of Nature UK.

Q. What happens to my membership fee, does it get swallowed up by administration?

A. Usually, FoN UK can run a small credit balance on membership income alone.

After annual costs of insurance, membership to Naturfreunde (NFI - our international governing body), agm and website maintenance, our largest expense is yearly donations as agreed at the agm to causes that promote Friends of Nature's ethos and values.

The most recent beneficiaries are listed below.

Year Recipient / Amount
13-17 inc. Tourism Concern £350
13 NFI Africa Appeal £266
15,18 Farms for City Children £450
15 NFI 120th Anniversary £515
16 City Farms and Community Gardens £200
16 Woodland Trust £200
16 Nepalese Friends of Nature £200
17 Community Action Nepal £300
17 Borders Forest Trust £300
18 John Muir Trust £200
18 Children of the Mountain £200
19 Camphill Village £200
19 Mountain Rescue (in memory of Alan Gentle, our former Treasurer) £400
20 Carlisle Food Bank £300
20 Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) £300
20 W & S Goodman, member donation, to MSF £100
21 Just Act Gambia £32 ( + Senegal Gambia trees in 23)
21 Refugee Action £200
21 Trussel Trust £200
22 DEC's support for Ukraine £500
23 DEC's support for Pakistan floods £400
20,21,23 FoN International Solidarity and individual membership donations £267
23 Rewilding Britain £200 match funded equal to £400 (plus £10)
23 Senegal/Gambia Trees through NFI £178.36
24 Rewilding Britain £200 match funded to £400 (plus £25)
24 Tools for Self Reliance £200
24 Haslingden and Helmshore Civic Pride £200

Total to date £7,093

Find out more:👇
UK Website www.friendsofnature.org.uk (click 'Join Us' for instant membership via online application form)
Join Online (direct link): https://membermojo.co.uk/friendsofnature
Global Houses website (lists circa 800 Naturefriends houses for you to stay in): www.friendsofnaturehouses.net
NFI (Umbrella Organisation - based Vienna): www.friendsofnature.org

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17/03/2025

Friends of Nature: Frequently Asked Questions #8

In the coming days we will post answers to some common questions we get asked about Friends of Nature UK.

Q. Is there a regular Magazine?

A. Currently 'no'. Website, e-mails and social media seem to have overtaken the traditional Newsletter/Magazine which we produced until a few years back. Nothing is set in stone, if a Member has the time and inclination it may well happen again! For the broader perspective, NFI have a number of regular communications with the most popular being the monthly 'NFI Newsletter' - see latest edition on www.friendsofnature.org or sign up to e-mail version here: https://nf-int.us2.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=e7058dace49674cef9779e7bf&id=9523984a99

Find out more:👇
UK Website www.friendsofnature.org.uk (click 'Join Us' for instant membership via online application form)
Join Online (direct link): https://membermojo.co.uk/friendsofnature
Global Houses website (lists circa 800 Naturefriends houses for you to stay in): www.friendsofnaturehouses.net
NFI (Umbrella Organisation - based Vienna): www.friendsofnature.org

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14/03/2025

Friends of Nature: Frequently Asked Questions #7

In the coming days we will post answers to some common questions we get asked about Friends of Nature UK.

Q. Are there opportunities to get involved with nature conservation, community projects, campaigning, etc...?

A. Yes and No. Our UK group is small in comparison to mainland Europe so much work is in publicising campaigns running across geographical borders, we have no paid staff here! We try and support the works of NFI in Vienna wherever possible. Annually at our AGM we have for many years allocated funds to a variety of causes, most recently included Ukraine, Camphill Trust (centres for adults with learning disabilities), Pakistan Flooding, tree planting, Farms for City Children and County Wildlife Trusts.

Find out more:👇
UK Website www.friendsofnature.org.uk (click 'Join Us' for instant membership via online application form)
Join Online (direct link): https://membermojo.co.uk/friendsofnature
Global Houses website (lists circa 800 Naturefriends houses for you to stay in): www.friendsofnaturehouses.net
NFI (Umbrella Organisation - based Vienna): www.friendsofnature.org

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