Passionate about the deep benefits of being out in nature Ingrid wanted to create more opportunities for people to spend time in nature in her home, the Upper Tweed Valley.
Ingrid Campbell, Wild-ing, brings together a lifetime love of nature and 30 years experience of working in the outdoors to her guiding on the land and in the water.
As a qualified Summer Mountain Leader, Open Water Swim Coach, Forest School Leader, Outdoor First Aider and botanist Tweed Valley Wilding was created to share a love of being out in the landscape with wild swimming, walking and nature connection experiences.
About
by Huia Takau
‘Being out in nature is my life and my home’
Ingrid’s Story
She was born with a love of nature and from the age of 11 she knew that she wanted to study biology to better understand the natural world around her.
After her biology degree she travelled extensively, volunteered and worked in and around biological research and the outdoor industry. Spending time on a research station deep in the rainforests of Borneo, doing work experience with Forestry Canada in New Brunswick, looking for a rare plant in Madagascar and working as a long distance walk guide in the Abel Tasman National park in New Zealand. On settling back in the UK gained her Summer Mountain Leader Qualification and led month long personal development expeditions with young people to Bolivia, Borneo and Zambia.
Her passion for plants led her to Scotland to do an MSc in Plant Biodiversity and Classification at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Where she realised that her real love is the connection between people and nature. Having married a Scot the Scottish Borders has been her adopted home for 20 years.
Her journey into becoming a year round cold water swimmer has been a more recent one that began in a 5mm full wetsuit in January three years ago after a chat with a friend to leaving the wetsuit behind 2 months later and never looking back. you can hear more of this journey in the following podcast, The Joy of Wild Swimming.
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Testimonials
‘Ingrid's love of the outdoors, and particularly the water, is infectious! As such, she is sure to help you access that delight too, if you are lucky enough to join her in the water some time. Many thanks for a fabulous experience.’
Introduction to Wild Swimming
‘I'm amazed by what incredible lands are right on our doorstep. It was lovely to feel like we were far away – almost dream like. It was fabulous to disconnect from work and reconnect to ourselves. I ended it with a wonderful feeling of calm and had the best night’s sleep.’
Monday Meanders
‘I loved the pace of the day, taking time to notice nature's details. I loved learning about edible plants and that the tea ingredients were all foraged on our walk. It was a super day.’
Guided Walk