Our products are made for wild and extreme environments, so we’re passionate about the survival and ongoing maintenance of these places. That’s why for several years we have supported multiple charities and organisations dedicated to protecting the places we love to explore. 

2023 saw the launch of our corporate volunteering programme, which has enabled us to get more directly involved with the valuable work these charities carry out. As a direct result, this year the Montane team has carried out over 265 hours of volunteering  - from litter picking to planting trees (more on that below).

Alongside enabling us to give back, it has also provided a unique opportunity for us to learn more about this work, so we can better highlight it to the extended Montane community. Keep reading to discover some of the highlights so far…

“Beginning our corporate volunteering programme this year has really stepped up our understanding and engagement with local and national charities doing vital conservation around the UK. The mixed activities, locations (and weather!) have had a fantastic response from staff that we are excited to build on in the years to come.”Anna Pitman, Montane CSR Manager

Fix the Fells

In April we participated in an inspiring volunteering day in the Lake District with Fix the Fells, a team whose mission is to combat erosion in the Lake District. This involved reprofiling a zig-zag path on the side of Helm Crag, Grasmere. Our team got stuck in alongside regular volunteers and saw firsthand the hard work needed to maintain upland Lakeland paths; a rewarding day all around.

Alongside our own volunteering, we have taken steps to boost our support of Fix the Fells further. In August we launched a new donation function at our websites point of checkout. In November, alongside donating our Black Friday daily budget, we match-funded all donations made on montane.com across the Black weekend. In total, this has raised over £3000 for future work - with every penny going towards repairing and maintaining upland Lakeland fells. Thanks to everyone who donated to this incredible cause!

2 Minute Foundation

We’ve been passionate litter pickers at Montane HQ for several years, organising regular group litter picks around our base in Ashington, Northumberland. These sessions always see a great turnout from our team of #litterheroes. 

To take our litter picking to the next level this year, in April we teamed up with the 2 Minute Foundation to install a ‘Love where you work’ station in our office foyer. This now offers everyone in our office the opportunity to head out and litter pick whenever they like! The 2 Minute team also joined us in June for our group litter pick and to provide an educational session with our staff on World Environment Day. For those eager to learn more don’t miss this informative blog detailing why they believe litter picking is essential and how you can get involved. 

Tyne Rivers Trust

With an increasing focus on river health in the UK, we were delighted to join forces with The Tyne Rivers Trust this summer, an environmental charity that looks after the local river Tyne and its tributaries. Located in the North East, the iconic river Tyne flows through the North Pennines, Kielder, and Tyne and Wear - places many people in our team have a special connection with. 

To support the Tyne Rivers Trust in their ongoing conservation work we joined them for a day of clearing Himalayan balsam in Jesmond Dene. Not only did this help remove an invasive species along the river banks, we learnt lots about other local non-native species and the challenges rivers face from pollution. To mark International Day of Charity, Montane volunteers will be joining this team again for a day of tree planting in Northumberland.

Moors for the Future

In September we headed down to the Peak District to work with Moors for the Future. This involved a day of planting sphagnum moss, a miracle plant with a plethora of incredible properties, including the ability to help combat climate change through peat bog restoration. We were joined by members of The Last Ride Project and Outside staff (the team behind the Outside Hope Valley Round).

Our work with Moors for the Future this year builds on several years of financial contributions totalling over £25,000 to help protect uplands in the UK. It was truly rewarding to see this work come to life and directly help to combat peat bog erosion. 

How you can play your part

We feel passionately about supporting charities both locally and globally. Alongside doing our own part to help out there are several ways you can support our endeavors and give back too. Here are a few suggestions from us…

• Donate to Fix the Fells on montane.com with your next purchase, at the point of checkout 
• Arrange your own coffee morning with friends, or your local community to raise money for an environmental cause you are passionate about
• Research local volunteering options, sign up, and join them for a day