JULIA BRADBURY
TV presenter Julia, 49, lives in west London with her partner Gerard and son Zephyr, eight, and five-year-old twin daughters Xanthe and Zena.
SHE SAYS ‘I began camping many years ago. As a child, my best friend Abi and I would camp in her garden, but only after we’d rounded up her rabbits and put them in their hutches to protect them from foxes.
‘Camping is wonderful because it’s all about nature and being outdoors, and I can’t wait to do it again. My sister Gina and I grew up in Rutland and Sheffield. We used to walk in the Peak District for hours in all weathers.
‘As president of the Camping and Caravanning Club, to celebrate the start of the camping season I’d normally camp somewhere inspirational. Last year we set up our first floating campsite on the Thames and popped an old caravan on a barge, and had a little party with Eamonn Holmes, Christopher Biggins and Jenni Falconer. I’ve camped on top of the O2 Arena – that was blustery! And one year we set up one of those tensile tents that stretches from tree trunk to tree trunk in the jungle – except we were on the South Bank in London! This year, because of lockdown, it was back to the garden with the kids, who loved it.
‘It’s fantastic that people can go camping again. Hopefully they’ll observe social distancing rules. It’s a great way to bond as a family and give kids independence too.
‘Lockdown’s been kind to me as I can get my cuddles from the little ones. But my mum and dad are in their eighties and in lockdown. We’ve seen them, but only at a safe distance, and it was heartbreaking for the children to have to stay two metres away. Working in the garden with my children has kept me going. We’ve planted radishes, runner beans and lots of flower seeds. This time has reinforced my passion for nature.
‘I’m the chair of the Wainwright literary prize and am judging the nature writing category again this year. So I’ve had the joy of reading some beautiful nature books
during lockdown, including Diary Of A Young Naturalist by Dara McAnulty, Dancing With Bees by Brigit Strawbridge
Howard and The Well Gardened Mind: Rediscovering Nature In The Modern World by Sue Stuart-Smith.
‘My sister Gina’s been fantastic. She volunteers with Age UK to deliver food to vulnerable people, which is not just good for the community but gives the volunteers a real sense of purpose.
‘She and I are in constant communication as we’ve been working together on our Outdoor Guide website (theoutdoorguide. co.uk).’ Julia’s TV walks are free to downloads and you can find inspiration to create your own adventures if visiting the UK.