'Words and Pictures from the Outdoors' neatly sums up what the OWPG is all about. We are the only UK-based association of media professionals working largely or entirely on outdoor subjects. To be more specific, according to our Constitution, members must be:

"actively and professionally involved in sustainable activities in any outdoor setting."

Our membership represents a tremendous body of experience and expertise covering almost every conceivable field of activity and all corners of the globe. We've been there, seen it, got the T-shirt, and in more than a few cases, the scars to go with it. And of course we've got the words and pictures too.

For more information of who we are and what we do and where we've been (or are just about to go) see our News section for the latest copy of Outdoor Focus and Media News Bulletins. You can also view individual members' profiles or search for specific locations, activities and skills.

For members, benefits include Promotion and marketing, Networking (information, inspiration, advice and work opportunities); Discounts, facilities and access benefits; and lots more: see Looking to Join for more detail.

History

The Outdoor Writers Guild was founded in 1980 by a small group of writers, most of whom were closely involved in writing about outdoor equipment and clothing. Within five years it had expanded hugely, taking in writers who concentrated on the experience rather than the gear, along with a growing number of photographers.

In an attempt to reflect this diversity, the Guild changed its name in 2006 to Outdoor Writers and Photographers Guild. Even this fails to do justice to the breadth of members' skills and we also adopted the informal strapline 'Words and Pictures from the Outdoors'.

Today's membership includes writers, journalists, photographers, illustrators, broadcasters, film-makers, artists, publishers and editors, but all with the common bond of a passionate interest in the outdoors.

The world of publishing and media has changed almost beyond recognition in the 30 years of the Guild's existence. In 1980 none of us had even heard of a website, let alone run one. Digital cameras, blogs, tweets, GPS, Print on Demand... the Guild and its members have had to get to grips with all of these and more. For that matter, the mountain bike was only just beginning to emerge from its spawning ground in California, snowboarding and kite-surfing were at the experimental stage, and Easyjet did not exist. Who knows what the next 30 years will bring?