These boots are made for walking
Each pair tells a tale
They have accompanied me on hundreds of journeys across thousands of miles
They are like old friends
Team mates
Love, peace and boots
I thought I’d share some of my tools for good mental health
Looking after our internal is just as important as our external
There is no point in working out for physical perfection if we are falling to pieces internally.
I am in a very good, strong place when it comes to my mental wellbeing
But that hasn’t always been the case
I’ve had my challenges.
Doing too much, sleeping too little, trying to control the often uncontrollable can all have negative impacts
My tool kit includes regular good sleep. Plenty of water, and at least an hour of exercise with no distractions every day.
I limit the amount of time I am on social media to just 1 hour and I try to avoid negative, angry content.
Most importantly I talk to people.
Real, honest analogue conversations.
Smile and the world seems a little more cheery.
The other thing is to challenge yourself.
Don’t abstain from the things that can be harmful to our mental wellbeing.
I like to microdose anxiety and fear
Just like a vaccine, I build up a protection through controlled exposure to the things that push me.
If we entirely avoid the stresses of life, it leaves us exposed and unprotected for the inevitable big challenges of life.
Responsibility, fear and risk have all pushed my mental health buttons BUT they have made me more resilient, robust and ultimately stronger.
It’s good to talk
And it’s even better to share
Love and peace to you all 💚
Photo @matthindphotographer
Super proud to be supporting @mountainmanbase in their attempt to set a world record and be the first person to base jump off the summit of Everest
@buffalosystems is super proud to have hand made their jackets in Sheffield for the ultimate test on Everest
In the safe hands of @warriormonk22 , Josh will be attempting his jump as the weather window opens in the next few days
You can follow their journey here @unbreakableeverest2026 in support of #everydaughtermatters
Good luck team Unbreakable
Photo @simonfm
Earlier this week, a couple of days after getting back from Canada, I went to the outdoor speaker evening at Buffalo Basecamp.
@benfogle has been an advocate for me and my expeditions ever since my first expedition, always willing to help and encourage me along the way. I’ve worn @buffalosystems gear throughout my time in the Army and beyond, so it felt special to be there speaking at the event.
Thank you @benfogle and @buffalosystems for having me.
It was great to hear @_mitchhutch share his story and talk about his incredible triathlon to Everest. His new book, Limitless, came out this week and I picked up my copy at the event.
A lovely evening 💙
#buffalo #sheffield
A year ago we bought a factory
A manufacturing business in South Yorkshire
Sheffield.
It’s been quite a year
Sometimes it feels like I’ve been paddling in thin air
At other times it’s like I’m flying
It really has been an amazing journey
And it’s ALL been documented for a new series that will be on Channel 5 in a few weeks
The series follows the trials and tribulations as my business partner @jamessleater and I try to revive the iconic @buffalosystems
The outdoor brand beloved of the Special Forces, Mountain Rescue, Explorers and hopefully…..YOU
As the boy who got an N in A Level economics it has been a terrifying immersion in the world of business
Finances have always scared me.
In some ways, climbing Everest was easier
But it’s all about the team, and we’ve got incredible team mates who you will meet in the documentary
One of the stars of the show is Sheffield, a city that has welcomed us with a warm embrace
The series is called Ben Fogle, Made in Sheffield, but in many ways it could be called
Ben Fogle ReMade in Sheffield,
because the city, the people and the adventure have helped me so much
The journey has rebuilt my confidence after some mental health wobbles in recent years and reminded me, the goodness of people and the power of creativity.
We are still a small business with an incredible legacy and the series follows us warts and all.
I have felt quite exposed, allowing cameras into my family and private life and I hope you enjoy sharing the adventure
Buffalo is a little like Sheffield and Yorkshire, full of steel and grit but too modest to shout about itself
You can follow us here @buffalosystems
Love, peace and Buffalo
Photos @jacko_watson
Sir David Attenborough has been the most important teacher, guide, informer and communicator in my life.
My journey has been gently influenced, informed, reassured and sometimes worried by his story telling and his insight into the wonderful, wild world of nature.
A role model, I have been inspired by the places he has been and the things he has seen. Sometimes following in his footsteps to see and experience for myself some of earths wonders.
A national treasure. He is the voice of authority and reason in a world where we often find ourselves unsure of the truth.
Happy 100th Birthday Sir David
It’s a very rare moment for me to dust off my black tie
But I do love Sheffield, so dressed up for the ‘Made in Sheffield’ awards celebrating the best of South Yorkshire
Love and peace
From soil to spear 🌱
Last month we visited the Chinn family farm with Plan A Ambassador @benfogle to see how British asparagus is grown for M&S Food! 👀
Healthy soil, strong plants, exceptional flavour - and the longest British asparagus season on the high street. That’s quality you can trust, week after week, watch on to find out more and learn about our Plan A for farming initiative!
Find our British Asparagus now in your local M&S Foodhall 🛒
Just because someone carries it well doesn’t mean it’s easy.
Life can sometimes feel overwhelming and confusing
We can all get lost in a blanket of fog, but the sun will eventually burn through
After the storm comes the sunshine
Life is full of ups and downs.
Lost and found
Here and there.
The light and shade are part of the rich tapestry of life
We will rise and fall with the waves
Sometimes you just have to go with it
Just like a ship at sea, it’s up to you to adjust the sails
You can ride out the storm or you can ask others to help you.
The strongest are willing to ask for the help of others
It’s important to talk
A problem shared really is a problem halved
Don’t be controlled by the fears in your mind, but by the love of those around you.
If life was always easy then we would fail to appreciate all the beautiful moments of humanity.
Remember, everyday will not be good but there will be good in everyday.
You just have to remember to look up and find them
And dont forget to smile
Try and find calm in the chaos
Be kind to yourself and to others
Smile and the world smiles with you.
Love and peace
For 200 years, @officialZSL has been bringing people closer to wildlife - inspiring curiosity, care, and a deeper understanding of the natural world.
I’ve been lucky enough to see that impact first-hand, from time spent at its conservation zoos to the incredible stories shared through our #WildestMoments podcast, in partnership with @mountainwarehouse .
Meeting the people behind the science, conservation and animal care has been a real privilege. These are the stories that remind us why our connection to wildlife matters more than ever.
If you haven’t listened yet, take a moment to dive into Wildest Moments - I promise you’ll come away inspired.
Happy 200th birthday to an extraordinary organisation. Here’s to the next chapter.
#HappyBirthdayZSL #ZSLAt200
Today marks the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster in what was once the USSR
In 2021 I travelled to the exclusion zone in Ukraine to make a documentary about the aftermath of the disaster
In 2022, shortly after the Russian invasion, I returned with my friend @nikolaii_fomin to see the devastation the Russians left behind after their occupation.
I met friends like Baba Hanna whose possessions had been stolen by Russian soldiers and workers who had been held hostage for weeks.
Chernobyl remains at the sharp end of the Russian war with Ukraine, only last year a drone hit the confinement screen protecting the nuclear reactor.
We must never forget those liquidators who risked their lives and those brave Ukrainians who continue to protect the confinement facility in an active war zone.
