Bramble Green Newsletter - Quarter 3 - 2021
Welcome to our 3rd Edition!
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Castlerock
Happy Summer!
In 2021 a reinvigorated sense of adventure seeking swept across the UK and Ireland. Activities such as hiking, climbing, wild swimming, kayaking & paddle boarding really took off. Sales of SUP boards reached a record high and outdoor shops found themselves with empty shelves. This was thanks to people searching for a contrast to the increased time spent indoors last year, staycationing, less time spent commuting and a general desire for healthy hobbies. These trends show no signs of abating.
As a mother I have noticed how outdoor activity is really important for children and the pandemic showed me how much my kids missed their own activities. My daughter had to take her dance classes via Zoom, which was fine, but she missed the physical interaction with her teacher and fellow students. My oldest son was noticeably less motivated when his Saturday rugby was cancelled. So as a family we have really valued our own surroundings recently, and encourage everyone to check out what coast, mountains, forests and parks are within reach for them. We got wetsuits which were a fantastic investment and we recently got into SUP boarding, which has been a big hit with everyone!
In this newsletter we wanted to focus on this reinvigorated sense of adventure. We feature two articles with inspiring customers who have fully embraced the last year by finding their own way to stay active despite the restrictions to normal life.
Make sure to check out this issue's exclusive offers from Kindred of Ireland, Kinsale Leather, Bramble Green and Kitty Clogs below. If you enjoy our newsetter please do share it with friends. They can sign up themselves to receive future copies here.
Claire x
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Q&A with Salty Sea Sisters
(@saltyseasisters)
www.saltyseasisters.com
Over this last year cold water swimming has become very popular. Jumping in the wild sea wearing just a swimsuit, come rain or shine whatever the season. Warming up afterwards with a hot cup of tea or for some, something stronger. For those not close to the coast, wild swimming in lakes and rivers has also increased.
The health benefits in the community of wild swimmers in particular are being raved about. Many have been inspired by Wim Hof who espouses the health benefits of cold water. Celebrities such as Angela Scanlon and Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall often mention cold water swimming on social media with Scanlon interviewing Wim Hof on her podcast show and Fearnly-Whittingstall swearing by his daily dip. Sophie Hellyer, a Cornwall native, is a popular sea swimming influencer who enthusiastically promotes the benefits of jumping in. Wetsuit or swimsuit, it's up to you but it's free and accessible.
On my own doorstep two local ladies have started their own community of swimmers. The Salty Sea Sisters founded by Ainé and Eimear, two truly inspiring women. Recently they were featured in a beautifully iconic spread in The Irish Independent and they have launched an artistic and handy guide to the best swimming spots in Ireland, the “Swim Map of Ireland”, which is available to purchase online. I love watching their stories and posts on Instagram, where they have created something really special.
The SSS promote a sense of empowerment through sea swimming and a variety of outdoor activities. Their purposeful approach is clear, they want to inspire and promote the benefits of immersing yourself in the great outdoors and the friendships that can be struck up by putting yourself out there and connecting with like-minded people and as a result, the Salty Sea Sisters’ community is growing. Many have been lonely during recent lockdowns and the outdoors has been a real haven for socialising. The SSS followers are encouraged to meet up and form a group and swim, hike, mountain bike, walk, surf, etc. together. They say anyone is welcome, and you know I think that is really cool.
How did Salty Sea Sisters start?
Salty Sea Sisters is a community of wild women, born from an idea to connect like-minded souls. Founders Eimear and Aine met online after Aine, from Portrush County Antrim in Northern Ireland, posted a meetup request on an all-women's mountain bike Facebook group, to which no one replied for an entire year lol. Then one day, a message popped into her inbox from the firecracker that is Eimear, from Killarney, County Kerry in the Republic of Ireland, saying she'd just seen her post, and hoped that if it wasn't too late (one year later), she would love to go mountain biking.
Two days later the girls were hitting the trails, bombing through the trees at Castlewellan, and forming a lifelong friendship. From then on, an idea was sparked that if these two outgoing ladies from opposite ends of the island could meet this way, then others could too if given the right platform to connect. And so Salty Sea Sisters was created, promoting kindred spirits from all corners of the UK and Ireland, encouraging women to reach out and connect with each other, from sea swims to mountain biking, hikes, van trips, skateboarding, horse riding, sailing and so much more.
The energy and engagement from this online community has erupted since its humble beginnings only six months ago, which now has an online following of over 5,000 people. Alongside this is the growth of participation in wild, outdoor swimming, which has taken the shores of the UK and Ireland by storm, mainly down to its ease and accessibility which can be enjoyed by everyone no matter age or ability.
Can you advise beginners about getting into sea swimming?
Sea swimming is for everyone but there are definitely some things to consider before diving straight in. The sea is not a swimming pool, so you need to take care and consideration before dipping. If you are feeling nervous or are new to wild swimming, begin with locations that are lifeguarded (they’re marked on the map). Pick a calm (preferably sunny) day, walk-in slowly and stay within your depth. Know your limits and those of others under your care. Don’t stay in too long, and don’t force yourself if you’re feeling uncomfortable - The key is to enjoy it.
Try not to swim alone. If you can’t convince someone to get in with you, bribe them with chocolate to keep an eye on you while you swim. Make sure you are visible in the water. We recommend wearing a brightly coloured swim cap and using a tow-float. If the location is new to you, enter the water slowly. Always check that it’s deep enough beforehand and investigate to see that there are no hidden rocks or sandbanks. Before getting in the water, consider all the elements. This includes the water depth, temperature, weather, currents, tides, cleanliness, and conditions underfoot as well as entry and exit points. Familiarise yourself with the steps to take in the event of an emergency.
Tell me more about your Sea Swimming Map?
As a result of the growth of wild swimming this year, combined with this year's increase in staycation, we decided to launch the Salty Sea Sisters Wild Swim Map of Ireland. An idea born whilst having late night chats about all the places we would like to swim. It is a beautifully illustrated map of the entire island, detailing stunning swimming locations, accompanied with hand-drawn graphics of iconic landmarks. It was designed to encourage, with simplicity and accessibility in mind, and includes a grid of the four provinces of Ireland with more information about each location, and a checklist to tick off as you go. The intention of the map sits firmly alongside the Salty Sea Sisters motto, which is to "connect with each other", encouraging lifelong friendships, community, and sistership.
Do you feel marine conservation goes hand in hand with sea swimming? What was your take on the recent documentary “Seaspiracy”?
Absolutely. This is very important to both of us, as we are both keen environmentalists. Aine, in particular volunteers as a rep for both Surfers Against Sewage and RewildNI. Our hope is that by connecting people to the benefits of the sea, they will begin to acknowledge what is happening to it. Things like water quality, litter pollution and sewage dumping will now place high on their agenda especially if their favourite spots are being affected. Seaspiracy in particular was a real eye-opener to us because it demonstrated on a global scale the frightening impact our modern lifestyle is having on our oceans, the scale of the problem which is mostly going unseen. We hope that, through Salty Sea Sisters, we can spark change through encouraging connection with the ocean.
As a final note, we want to say that everyone and anyone is welcome to be a Salty Sea Sister, whether going at it solo or as part of a team. You are, just by being connected to the outdoors, a Salty Sea Sister and kindred spirit.
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Summer wildflowers bloom on the cliffs at Whitepark Bay
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Getting to know
Russell Crookes
@russell_carpussell Instagram
Proving that adventurous activity is not just for the very young, Russell Crookes gives us an insight into how he developed a passion for rock climbing. Starting out in an indoor facility and working his way up to more towering and rugged climbs, Rus has even travelled abroad to climb. I am sitting here thinking I want to get into doing more sports, but need to build my confidence. Russell shows us that you can keep pushing your boundaries and building your strength even if you are no longer in your early 20’s.
With a devoted wife and two young children the Crookes family lead an active life. Daddy might seem like he is a stunt double for Tom Cruise sometimes but for Diane and Russell’s kids it probably seems pretty standard as it is part of their way of life. We don’t all have to start scaling heights to recognise the mental and physical benefits of keeping active with your children, but Russel's photographs remind us that you really can do incredible things if you put in the time and energy. Below, Russell gives us an honest insight into his journey from beginner to extreme sportsman.
For as long as I can remember I have loved being outdoors. From skateboarding as a kid, which progressed to snowboarding as I got older, to trail running & triathlons, and spending most of my thirties obsessed with surfing, as long as I was active outdoors I was happy. I came to climbing quite late, I was 38 when I first went to my local climbing gym (well past my prime some would say!), and most people would start a lot younger, but it was something I’d long admired and thought I’d do well at.
At first I only climbed indoors on plastic holds. I was naturally strong from so many other activities, so I found I could haul my way up some of the routes relatively easily. But when it came to technical routes I floundered. Strength can only get you so far in climbing; technique, movement, footwork, body position, balance, breath, mental resilience... there are so many aspects involved in becoming a well rounded climber. I was lucky that I found a great coach, the awesome Rob Hunter from Myphysiotherapy, who runs great climbing orientated strength classes and helped me refine these things . I practiced and trained obsessively on the indoor walls for over a year but I had a huge desire to get outdoors on actual rock.
When climbing or surfing you are fully immersed in nature and the elements; a deep connection to nature that is a wonderful and humbling experience. Both also involve living totally in the moment. I doubt anyone’s ever ridden a wave or scaled a cliff and been thinking about what chores they have to do when they get home or what they’ll wear at the weekend. You are one hundred percent focused on what you are doing and what’s right in front of you. Because of this, the post climb/surf feeling is one of zen-like contentment and I find dealing with any strife or life troubles much easier afterwards..
Where climbing differs from surfing though is that it’s usually done in pairs. The bond between climbers is very strong; you literally have each other’s lives in your hands! Though it can feel quite lonely when you’re up there on the sharp end of the rope, dealing with your fear, your partner is always at the other end, ready to catch you. So there’s a lot of trust shared between you. Still, one of the great pleasures in climbing is watching your partner squirm their way up something hard, puffing and panting, in the grasp of fear, while you are totally relaxed on the ground, throwing out "useless" phrases of encouragement, like “you got this” or “almost there”, usually when they’re only half way up a route.
There are quite a few ways to experience climbing on rock... scrambling, bouldering, sport climbing, trad climbing, free solo (climbing with no protection, only for the exceedingly brave or mad!!), Ireland has a long history of trad climbing and most of the climbing done on these shores is in this style, with one of the best venues being right on our doorstep: Fairhead!
Gazing out from at Fairhead from Ballycastle is a feast for the eyes and I still get excited on the drive up, when I catch a glimpse of her through a hole in the hedge, just after Armoy. It’s such an iconic and beautiful spot and standing on top of the cliff looking out to Rathlin I think it’s as beautiful as anywhere I’ve been. We’re so fortunate that the McBride family are so accommodating to climbers.
Climbing can seem scary when you first get into it and standing at the bottom of Fairhead looking up can make even the bravest person clench their bum cheeks!
I get asked a lot “Are you not scared?”. And I guess the simple answer is: yes. My squeals have probably been heard on Rathlin. Fear is a good thing that helps preserve our lives but we can learn to deal with it and not let it control us. Focusing on my breath and movement helps me keep it in check. If you’re doing a difficult or scary move the tendency is to hold your breath. If you’re not getting enough oxygen your arms start to get weaker, you feel you will fall off any second. It’s easy to be overcome with fear at this moment. My yoga teacher always says “If you’re not breathing, you’re not doing yoga.” and I often hear her in my head during climbs when I’ve realised I’m all tensed up. If I focus on my breath, the movement will come easier and the fear will dissipate... most of the time!
Although I’ve only been climbing a relatively short time I’ve already managed to climb in Ireland, Spain, Cyprus, with Chaminox being a highlight. Climbing high up in the Alps was as you might imagine; mindblowing scenery and endless beautiful granite to scale. And there’s an endless list of places on my bucket list.
I’d wholeheartedly recommend climbing to anyone and everyone. With top class facilities at Foyle arena in Derry and Boulder world in Belfast it’s easy to dip your toe and give it a try. There is something primal about it and some people take to it very naturally. It can give you a confidence and resilience that will spread through to the rest of your life and take you places you’d never dreamt about. I’d never push my kids into anything, but if they show an interest in climbing when they are a bit older I’d do my best to encourage and nourish it.
P.s I must mention all this wouldn’t be possible without my lovely supportive wife who holds the fort when I’m away galavanting on my adventures!
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Irish Poetry
from
“The sea god's address to Bran”*
by
Alfred Graves
What is clear sea
For the prowed skiff in which Bran is,
That to me in my chariot of two wheels
Is a delightful plain with a wealth of flowers.
Bran sees
A mass of waves beating across the clear sea:
I see myself in the Plain of Sports
Red-headed flowers that have no flow.
Sea-horses glisten in summer
As far as Bran can stretch his glance:
Rivers pour forth a stream of honey
In the land of Manannan, son of Ler.
The sheen of the main on which thou art,
The dazzling white of the sea on which thou rowest
about -
Yellow and azure are spread out,
It is a light and airy land.
* Bran, or Brân, was the celtic god of regeneration. Manannan is a sea god in Irish mythology, so the land of Manannan is a reference to the Irish coast, around which there are to this day places named after Manannan in County Cork, Mayo, Roscommon, Galway and Down.
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Bramble Green Update
TMs and Totes!
In this section we normally give an update to subscribers on what we've been working on over at Bramble Green HQ. This month we have two points to mention.
Firstly, it's a little update for all our long-term customers who've been following our brand journey! After a long process, with a number of challenges to overcome, Bramble Green has now been approved as a Trademark by the Intellectual Property Office; so anytime you see the phrase Bramble Green you'll know you're in safe hands.
Registering a Trademark is not straightforward for small brands. Some corporations and individuals register hundreds of words across all categories of business, and even one word being similar to an existing trademark can generate a dispute and a recommendation from the IPO to reject the application. These hurdles can be daunting, but we would encourage anyone trying to protect a brand they've worked so hard for to have patience and persevere.
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Secondly, in response to customer demand we have launched a Bramble Green shopper/tote bag (now available in the shop). We were keen to take time to find bags made from sustainable, organic cotton and found a manufacturer based in the UK (rural Somerset) to dye and print the bags with our company colours and our new logo. We hope our customers will love them as much as we do!
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Kinsale Leather
Dee pictured outside her store on Main St, Kinsale
Dee Mangan opened the doors to her Kinsale Leather store in July 2015. Initially with a focus on wholesaling and supplying other larger stores, her designs were available across Europe, the USA through sales agents and iconic stores such as Arnotts, Brown Thomas and Kilkenny Design here in Ireland. Over the last 18 months, the business has totally pivoted and Dee’s designs are now exclusively available through her website kinsaleleather.com and from her store in Kinsale. We love Dee's work and asked her to send us a few words on her business to introduce her to our readers.
The first lockdown gave me this incredible gift of being able to step back and analyse thoroughly what direction I actually wanted to go in, what my focus needed to be and what the brand values really were. I realised I was pushing to grow but it wasn’t actually benefiting the business or me personally. I changed how we made, and how we sold. Now we make really special items, 60 - 100 per style and colour per month, and we do stock drops online. We can change styles and colours regularly and people are buying from the brand, supporting an actual person. The really beautiful colours can sell out in a few hours, which is incredible to watch, to know people want to invest in something handmade with purpose”.
Featured piece: Kinsale Leather Festival Bag €195
Bramble Green Newsletter discount code for Kinsale Leather: For 10% off just type in bramblegreen at checkout (valid until Friday 16 July) |
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Kitty Clogs
Instagram @kittyclogsstudio, www.kittyclogssweden.co.uk
I got my first pair of Kitty Clogs a few months ago and have been wearing them non-stop! They perfectly mould around my feet but also offer a chunky sole which is nice for someone who no longer wears heels. I feel they can be dressed up or down, and are so versatile in pairing. We asked Jess at Kitty Clogs to give our readers an intro to the brand.
We are an independent footwear and lifestyle brand based in the UK that has fallen in love with the Swedish Clog. Driven by a true love for beautiful, handmade items and the determination to keep traditional crafts and manufacturing methods alive, we have been designing consciously crafted KIT + CLOGS that are connected to their roots since 2016. After meeting a family in Sweden who have been handcrafting traditional träskor since the 1950’s, our founder Sacha fell in love with the clogs and decided to bring them to the UK. As she embarked on this adventure, serendipity brought together a team of women who together began transforming the Swedish träskor into the ever-evolving collection that it is today. We are only a small team but we have a shared vision and great ambition.
Our clogs reflect and respect where they’ve come from and how they’re made. We use natural, sustainably sourced materials and organic vegetable dyes. Each purchase supports small, family-run businesses and traditional crafts in a world where they are threatened by cheap, low-quality, mass-produced alternatives. This is slow fashion. We are striving towards a fairer future for fashion and a world in which good-quality, well-designed pieces are thoughtfully and sensitively produced and purchased.
Through collaborations and connections with other makers, designers and small businesses our vision and our collection has evolved. Our online store showcases a carefully curated selection of fashion and lifestyle items for conscious living. Always strong, sustainable and handmade.
Bramble Green Newsletter discount code for Kitty Clogs: For 15% off just type in BRAMBLEKIT15 at checkout.
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SUBSCRIBER REWARD!!!
Take 10% off any items ordered from Bramble Green this month
Use Discount Code SUMMERBG at checkout
(*Valid until 28 July 2021)
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