Stronger Together: Exploring Community with the A-TEAM

Words by Chris Hunt. Photos by Pete Scullion

If you’ve followed our journey, you’ll recognise that ‘community’ is a constant in all that we do, it’s integral to our mission and something we hold extremely dear. And the fact that you’re here, reading these words means that you are very much part of our community too.

As a concept, it’s easy enough to get your head around. The embodied make-up of our physical and digital ecosystems – those following us online, joining our trail cleans and visiting our Community Hubs. And we’re incredibly lucky to have a super close core of individuals who help us keep those communities thriving. Our brilliant A-TEAMers who wear the Trash Free Trails mission statement on their sleeves every day, leading the charge and inspiring others to get involved. But the significance of those communities, what it means today and in the future, that’s a little more open to interpretation.

Maybe our favourite weekend of the year is the rare opportunity to gather all the individuals that make up our A-TEAM together in one place and let the magic unfold. At the tail end of June, with the help of our partners Endura, the A-TEAM assembled in Scotland. The location: The Trossachs. The objective: to spend time together outside, doing the things that make us tick. 

Nothing bonds us quite like sharing the trails, and to witness this band of riders, runners and roamers come together from all corners of the country, to stoke the fire of our collective mission so generously, to the backdrop of so much laughter and joy, well… our hearts are full up with the warm and fuzzies.

And it got us thinking. While we certainly have our own ideas around the importance of fostering positive and impactful communities and how best we do that, it’s not really about us. The A-TEAM are the tireless caretakers of these communities, and their impact trickles out far beyond the metaphorical walls of TFT HQ.

So we figured, from the A-TEAM, we could probably learn a thing or two about community. During the weekend we got them to anonymously share what community means to them and their roles as Trash Free Trails ambassadors. What we got back is simply too good not to share.

"I think it’s super important to normalise these actions, as if everybody did it there would be far less SUP (Single use pollution) on the trails because everyone would be a mini A-TEAMer! I guess we’d be out of a job but it's a small price to pay!"

Belonging, Support and Inspiration

"Community helps me through harder times, reminding me what’s important and giving me ideas and support to get things done.’

"Community means advice and assistance. It impacts my role supporting people who want to be included. It means sharing responsibilities and utilising each others’ skillsets for greater outcomes."

Greater Impact, Louder Voice

"Community is the people who make things happen. As an A-TEAMer, my impact, what I can achieve, and what I can contribute is only as great as the community around me. Individuals, groups of riders, clubs and hubs, they are the ones who can grow my own individual actions to something much bigger, with far bigger reach. We are better together!"

Fun and Friendship

Stronger Together

"Community is the essence of life… as humans we are wired for connection. As I write I have a lump in my throat because TFT has been such an amazing community for me. It has given me the courage to be myself, and to share that with others. As with my role, I am bringing a sense of community and love for nature. I feel that with strong communities we can be a driving force for change in this world. I don’t know how to really express what I mean when I think about community, but I feel so empowered."

The challenges we face as an environmental organisation aren’t getting any smaller and our mission certainly feels no less daunting. But, clear as day is the importance of sharing the joy in the process. With strong communities around us, a shared love for the outdoors and a sense of belonging, the job at hand feels altogether simpler.

Our community is strengthened through shared experience out on the trails as we form the  connections to each other and to nature. And in the end, that's what it’s all about: connection. A sense of belonging to the places we care about and taking accountability to ensure they remain beautiful for others to enjoy.

I’m not crying – you’re crying…

Special thank you to our Programme partner Endura for supporting the A-TEAM!