Who we are

The Outdoor Writers and Photographers Guild (OWPG) was established in 1980. Members of the Guild are actively and professionally involved in sustainable activities in any outdoor setting.

Membership Directory

Get to know and network with other writing and photography professionals - between us we cover a wide range of sustainable outdoors activities.

OWPG Awards

Our literary and photographic awards recognise the outstanding achievement of our members in their individual fields over the previous twelve months.

Members Forums

A set of private members-only forums for general banter and also to ask for advice from fellow professionals.

Our Associate Members

We are proud to be associated with the following companies and organisations

Our members also have access to some unique and very useful special discounts in the outdoors world.

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Why I'm in the Guild...

Some of our members comments on why they joined and why they stay in the guild
Roly Smith

Roly Smith

OWPG Member since 1983

“Persuaded by Kate Spencer, I joined the Guild 36 years ago, shortly after my first “proper” book had been published. It may sound idealistic, but I saw it as a band of outdoor brothers (and sisters!) who could work together for the common good, improving standards and becoming “the voice of outdoor journalism.” I certainly gained a huge amount from the camaraderie and support of members and officers in those early days, and I’ll always be grateful for that.”

Alf Alderson

Alf Alderson

OWPG Member since 1992

“I’ve been a member of the Guild for close on thirty years. The combination of support and back-up from fellow members along with offers of work that have come as a direct result of my membership have been invaluable in developing my career.
And the members I’ve got to know in that time have not just been people who happen to be in the same profession, they’re a damned sound bunch of individuals too!"

Tony Howard

Tony Howard

OWPG Member since 1990 (ish)

"What brought me to the guild was to be part of the outdoor writing community and hopefully to benefit from shared knowledge. Also I felt that having an OWPG Press Pass would not only be useful in gaining entry to travel and outdoor shows and contacting magazine editors and publishers, but would also be a great help in contacting tourism boards and other potential sponsors, in particular for gaining access to parts of the world that could be difficult to reach. All of which happened."

Chiz Dakin

Chiz Dakin

Member since 2007

"Since joining near the beginning of my career and getting to know other writers, photographers and publishers within the guild, a high percentage of my work has come indirectly from the Guild.

It's not usually come via offers to the whole guild, but by getting to know when certain commissions are up for grabs - and importantly, who to ask to find out who to speak to at the client end.

And once I'd built up a good reputation from previous work, recommendations from colleagues also began to come my way too.

A really friendly and helpful bunch too - of which several have become good friends as well as colleagues"

Tony Toole

Tony Toole

Member since 2000

I discovered the Guild simply by googling online. Joining in 2000 was one of the best things I have done. Through writing contracts in the early years, with English Nature and Woodland Trust and a later current one with BBC Countryfile magazine, all coming directly from my membership, I have recouped my annual subscriptions many times over.
Also as a direct result of membership, I have been invited on six press trips abroad, and even while abroad on different occasions, have been able to obtain several free or discounted trips because of my presence on the Guild website. Trips undertaken while on the AGM weekends have also given me inspiration for several articles.
Receiving three Awards for Excellence has boosted my view that I do not conform to the popular image of the 'illiterate scientist.'
I have always found the other members of the Guild to be extremely friendly and supportive.

Jacquetta Megarry

Jacquetta Megarry

Member since 2000-ish

The Guild is a great community to join, where I’ve learned loads, personally and professionally. Belonging to it has been an important part of my life for nearly 20 years. The subscription is great value and I’ve been rewarded many times over by my earnings on Payback which I’d never have found out about without the Guild.

Jon Sparks

Jon Sparks

Member since 1990 (ish)

It's almost impossible in a few words to say what OWPG membership has meant to me. Without it, my career would look very different. Most of the work that's sustained me for more than 20 years has come from contacts made, directly or indirectly, through the Guild.
But that's not all. When I've needed advice, the OWPG hive-mind has nearly always come up trumps, and I've learned a lot through the Guild's professional development programmes too.
I mustn't forget the intangibles; support, community, and inspiration. I haven't just made useful contacts through the Guild, I've made lifelong friends.

Sue Viccars

Sue Viccars

Member since 1990

I was invited to join the Guild back in the days when I was a commissioning editor for outdoor books at David & Charles Publishers – around 30 years ago! I remember at the time thinking that I didn't really qualify – being an editor, rather than a writer – but I was duly persuaded, and I’ve never regretted my decision. Three weeks after going freelance in 2000 I got my first book commission through my Guild contacts, and it’s gone on from there – I’ve just been asked to write a new Dartmoor walking book for a publisher who only knows about me through my connection to the Guild. And I know that if I need help regarding any aspect of ‘life as an outdoor writer’ there’ll be someone ready to lend a willing ear and a spot of advice. It’s just been brilliant!

Tony Bowerman (Northern Eye Books)

Tony Bowerman (Northern Eye Books)

Member since 2012

As members of the OWPG since 2012, Northern Eye Books has benefitted hugely. Almost all our authors are members, and their sheer professionalism, outdoor knowledge, and attention to detail have helped us win several national awards and grow year after year. We couldn’t have done it without them and we’ve made some great friends, too.

Chris Howes

Chris Howes

Member since 1993

When I became a freelance author and photographer, it was a move into the unknown. Joining the OWPG opened the door to a group of friendly, supportive, like-minded people that I could ask for advice at any time. Did it bring me work? Not directly, but I never expected it would – what I gained was a wide range of contacts in the industry, and what I made of this was down to me.

Stan Abbott

Stan Abbott

Member since 1992

I have a great many things to be thankful to the OWPG for. Shortly after joining, I had the opportunity to share an amazing trip to Svalbard with other members. Since then the Guild’s AGM weekends on Jersey and the Isle of Wight have been highlights.
The Guild has ensured I’ve claimed all my secondary rights for copying of my work, amounting to some thousands of pounds over the years. The network of Guild members has been invaluable across the years, helping me, as a commissioning editor, to find the right expertise and, as someone who organises media trips for clients, to make sure I get the right journalists on board. Most recently, a partnership event by the Guild with the Society of Authors enabled me to meet the publisher of my next three books.

The OWPG Team

The hardworking members of the guild who hold officers posts:
Chair

Chair

Stan Abbott

Keeps us all in order, one of the exec who approves membership applications and keeps committee meetings short enough that we stay awake :)

Secretary

Julia Goodfellow-Smith

Our secretary is the point of contact for external enquiries to the guild. She takes minutes and is "chief cat herder" in nudging officials to do their jobs on time :)

Headshot image of our membership officer

Membership

Josephine Collingwood

Contact her for all things membership related - whether you are thinking of applying to join the guild, or need membership-related advice as a member

Headshot of Gordon Wilson, OWPG Treasurer

Treasurer

Gordon Wilson

Members: He's the person who handles all guild related payments (eg subs and Big Weekend deposits/final payments).
Suppliers: Send your invoices to him

Vice-Chair

Ronald Turnbull

The Vice-Chair of the Guild aids our Chair.

Website

Chiz Dakin

Responsible for most of the broken pixels on the site!

Awards Organiser

Awards Organiser

Jacquetta Megarry

Jacquetta manages all things relating to OWPG awards. Send her your Awards entry submissions

Headshot of Kevin Sene

Big Weekend Organiser

Kevin Sene

Kevin is in charge of the OWPG's annual fun-filled social gathering - the Big Weekend. Contact him for all Big Weekend related queries

Image of Felicity Martin

Zoom/Blether Organiser

Felicity Martin

Contact Felicity to suggest ideas for future Zooms or Blethers

Social Media Officer

John McFadzean

Send John any links you have for potential inclusion in OWPG Social Media

Committee Officer

Lisa Drewe

General Committee Officer

Committee Officer/Outdoor Focus Editor

David Taylor

General Committee Officer. David is also our outgoing OF Editor. (Please continue to contact David about anything relating to the Winter 2023 edition, but contact about future editions should now go to Alex Roddie.)

Headshot of Alex Roddie, Outdoor Focus Editor

Outdoor Focus Editor (from Spring 2024 edition)

Alex Roddie

Please get in touch with Alex to discuss any suggestions for future articles for Outdoor Focus.

News

Latest news from the guild

Outdoor Focus | Winter 2023

In this issue of Outdoor Focus we welcome David Jordan and Anna Taylor to OWPG; Roly Smith reviews the latest outdoor books; Kevin Sene reflects on this year’s Big Weekend; this year’s award winners are Read more…

Outdoor Focus | Autumn 2023

In this issue of Outdoor Focus we welcome (the other) Andy Hamilton to OWPG; Kevin Sene looks at the history of the Big Weekends; Chris Butterfield has the answer to an interesting question about Alfred Read more…

Outdoor Focus | Summer 2023

In this issue of Outdoor Focus new members Mary-Ann Ochota, Nike Werstroh and Chris Butterfield introduce themselves; Gordon Wilson revisits the Pennine Way; Paddy Dillon takes a walk in north-east England; Tony Howard describes the Read more…

Outdoor Focus | Spring 2023

In this issue of Outdoor Focus Kevin Sene introduces members to the island of Great Cumbrae, location of this year’s Big Weekend; Roly Smith reviews the latest outdoor books; Martyn Howe describes an artistic community Read more…

Get in Touch

Our officers are often out working in the outdoors, so the best method of contact is via the contact-us form.

If an officer is away at the time there may be a short delay in them responding.

Contact Us