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 The Outdoor Partnership works with clubs, schools, individuals, and cross-sector partners to strengthen the conditions that enable people in Coventry to achieve their potential through outdoor activities, participation, volunteering, training, and education.

Sarah Ramsey - Outdoor Activities Development Officer Coventry

Sarah Ramsey is our Coventry Outdoor Activities Development Officer.

If you’d like to know more or are an outdoor activity club that would like to get involved, please contact Sarah on 07742 875222 or sarah.ramsey@outdoorpartnership.co.uk.

You can also keep up to date by following TOP Coventry’s social media accounts:
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The Outdoor Partnership has been bringing people and organisations together across Coventry to create more opportunities and lasting impact. Here’s a quick look at what we’ve achieved lately…

Paddlefest

Working in partnership with 3rd sector organisations, statutory bodies and National Governing Bodies including:

  • Andy Train Coaching
  • School Games Organisers
  • Mercia Canoe Club
  • Leam Boats
  • Canal & River Trust
  • Paddle UK
  • CVlife

This project has shown what partnership working can achieve, with a successful week of paddle sports delivered across canoeing, kayaking and stand up paddle boarding​ here in Coventry with over 400 people taking part and utilising two areas within the city to engage a wide demographic of local people.

““It’s never really been my kind of thing, and my child didn’t want to do it when I asked. But we gave it a try and we’re so proud of ourselves. We bring the whole family to the weekend sessions. It’s going to be a new thing for us now!””
Paddlefest Coventry Participant
Bell Boat Helm Training

We are working with Paddle UK and Andy Train Coaching to develop Bell Boating as a new, city‑wide activity in Coventry — part of our commitment to creating systems change in accessible paddlesport.

So far, 6 Bell Boat Helms have been trained, with another 6 scheduled for September. This growing network of trained helms is a key step toward making Bell Boating a sustainable, low‑cost paddlesport for schools and communities across the city.

Our newly trained helms are already putting their skills into practice, preparing their students to compete in a Bell Boat regatta this October — building confidence, teamwork, and long‑term participation in paddlesport.

Young Carers Climbing Project

During the Summer, young carers joined us as part of a 6-week climbing program delivered in partnership with Warwick Climbing Wall.

The sessions enabled young people to develop their climbing and bouldering skills and mix with other young carers. The group grew in confidence and ability over the course of the program and would like to continue climbing moving forward. We are looking for further funding to enable this.

 

““He really enjoyed the climbing activity, as he got to be around other carers and didn’t feel alone. He has found it isolating not being around other kids with a sibling with additional needs. This has really helped him feel like he’s not the only one.””
A Participant from the Young Carers Climbing Project in Coventry
Women and Girls Inclusive Climbing

As part of the wider This Girls’ Adventure programme, developed through shared learning from The Outdoor Partnership’s work across Wales, we recently completed an eight-week climbing programme for young women and girls aged 16-18 who were new to the sport. 

Delivered in partnership with the University of Warwick Climbing & Bouldering Centre, the programme supported 16 young women and girls, alongside school staff, to develop their climbing skills, confidence and independence. Participants are now being supported to continue climbing beyond the programme, enabling them to progress and take part alongside friends and local climbing communities. 

 

More than introducing participants to climbing, the project is helping address barriers that have traditionally limited the involvement of women and girls in the outdoors. By working with education settings, climbing providers and community partners, This Girls’ Adventure is creating more welcoming pathways into participation, increasing confidence among organisations to engage underrepresented groups, and helping build a stronger network of female participants, volunteers and future leaders in the outdoor sector.

This approach supports lasting change in how opportunities are designed, promoted and delivered, ensuring more women and girls can access and benefit from outdoor activities in the future. 

Coventry's Swim Safe Programme

The Swim Safe programme, delivered in partnership with CVLife and Swim England, is already making a measurable impact across Coventry. 11 schools have taken part, with 16 more booked for September, and enquiries continue to rise – clear evidence that systems change is both needed and achievable when barriers are removed and water‑safety education is prioritised.

Funded through the Children’s Alliance, the programme is free for schools, ensuring that every child,  regardless of background, has access to essential open‑water safety skills.

CRASAC Outdoor Wellbeing Project

Paddlesports & Wild Swimming
The CRASAC  (Coventry Rape And Sexual Assault Centre) project delivers an inclusive outdoor wellbeing programme in partnership with Leam Boat Centre, CVLife, and Lavender Hall Lakes. The paddlesports and wild swimming sessions provide a safe, supportive space for clients to reconnect with nature, build confidence, and take part in meaningful outdoor activity. Participants consistently highlight the value of being with others who understand their experiences. Many describe a strong sense of solidarity, emotional safety, and support within the group.

Walking for Wellbeing
A complementary walking-for-wellbeing programme, delivered with Coventry Outdoors, offers gentle, accessible walks designed to support recovery, connection, and overall wellbeing. Feedback has remained overwhelmingly positive, with participants expressing a clear desire for both programmes to continue.

“A huge thank you to you all for today’s paddle sports session. I was so very nervous going in, and if I’m honest, nearly didn’t come at all. But the patience, encouragement, and calm, steady presence of you all before, during, and after made such a difference. Every time I wobbled there was someone checking in or cheering me on, and it helped me relax into it far more than I expected to. It turned into one of the best afternoons I’ve had in a very long time. ”
CRASAC Outdoor Wellbeing Programme Participant
Go Parks Challenge

The Outdoor Partnership supported the city’s “Go Parks Challenge” by working closely with British Orienteering and the Octavian Droobers Orienteering Club to map the area and deliver an activation day for local residents and schoolchildren.

Together, we’ve added a new outdoor resource that encourages more people to get involved and enjoy their local green spaces.