Hannah Robson is the founder of Bird Outdoors, a women’s outdoor lifestyle store and community. Based in Stockport, Hannah runs community events across the North West of England and is passionate about getting more women and non-binary folk into the outdoors and getting people confident in their abilities. On a personal level, she’s a ‘triple threat’ (hiker, trail runner and gravel cyclist!) and a champion for good in the outdoors community.

Hey Hannah! How did you first come across Kickback?

The first memory I have of coming across Kickback Coffee was at a One Foot Forward Run Club at Track Brewery. That evening, Kickback were hosting and I got chatting to Lauren from Kickback over a coffee and I realised we are on the same page in terms of encouraging more people to engage with the outdoors. We are desperately trying to coordinate our calendars over the next few months to collab on an event together!

Tell us about your work/play/life?

By day I am an interior designer in high-end residential design, and I’ve done this for nearly 15 years. In my spare time, my passion project is Bird Outdoors. Bird is both a store and an outdoors community, with a focus on showcasing women-owned brands and putting on community events.

Lots has been going on behind the scenes heading into the New Year. We also have some amazing people that work with me at Bird to put on events through the community and I’ve been focusing recently on giving them the tools they need when leading or hosting events. I’m also in the process of undertaking my Mountain Leader course which will open more opportunities for Bird and expand my own horizons too!

How did the idea for Bird Outdoors come about? When did the idea become a reality?

Bird Outdoors has just turned 3! Back in 2021 when we started, I’d been spending a lot more time outside and many people around me had found a new love for the outdoors. A few friends were really having to be persuaded to come along and join. This is when I started to see and understand the types of barriers that were stopping people from engaging in the outdoors. This disconnect is what led to Bird coming to life! I was also having lots of conversations about gear and the lack of choice in all areas of women’s gear, which is where the store came in.

My first experience of Sisters in the Wild was also a big step in making Bird a reality. Sisters in the Wild is a weekend for women and non binary people to come together, ride bikes, join in on workshops, talks and enjoy sharing time together in the outdoors. I had had the idea some time but was a bit tentative and nervous about it. Sharing this idea throughout the weekend gave me the confidence I needed to get started!

When did you first discover the outdoors? And how has your relationship changed with the outdoors since?

I grew up in the Rossendale Valley in Lancashire and I guess you could say we were a relatively outdoorsy family. My Dad especially is a keen hiker, as kids both me and my brother spent lots of time walking with him & my Mum. After Uni I moved to London and started to build my design career. The outdoor side of my life took a pause. I found working and the London environment hard to balance in outdoor pursuits. I didn’t pick this side of my life back up until I moved back up north.

Through a few big life changes, my mental health had taken a turn. My Dad organised walks weekly and invited me to join him. This was the reminder I needed, walking on old trails really took me back to the feeling of freedom I used to feel on these trails as a kid. This reignited my passion for the outdoors. At a time that I needed the reminder of how much the outdoors can bring you and the ability it has to get you away from the everyday and ignite a sense of freedom.

And finally, our classic question: What is your definition of adventure?

Escapism. I think adventure to me is the ability to get away from everyday life. It can be something small, a coffee outside before work or before going about the day. It can be taking a snack to a hill side and watching sunset or just being in nature. It doesn’t have to be a big event. It’s a break from the everyday and something that gets me outside of my ordinary. But at the same time, a weekend spent on the trails, camping and spending time with likeminded people never fails to light a fire in my belly.

 Follow Bird Outdoors on Instagram to join their community events and check out their online store!