The Outdoor Recreation Network (ORN) has carried out a thorough review of the membership proposition to ensure member organisations get the maximum benefits.

The Network currently offers three levels of membership to suit organisations at national, regional and local/academic level.

The ORN Executive Committee continually discuss ways to enhance the membership proposition, this is based on annual member surveys carried out. Organisations and individuals are able to sign up for membership at any time during the year. For existing members the membership year runs from 1st April – 31st March.

Current Members

Executive Membership

£1850 per year

Aimed at larger organisations operating at a national or regional level

Membership Benefits

  • Executive Membership is designed for organisations that want to take an active leadership role within the outdoor recreation sector. This membership level provides the opportunity to shape the future of the network by joining the ORN Executive Committee and contributing directly to the strategic direction of the organisation.

Support Membership

£750 per year

For smaller organisations, directing work at local level

Membership Benefits

  • Support Membership is ideal for smaller organisations seeking to strengthen their local impact and connect with the wider outdoor recreation sector. Members can access practical resources and guidance benefiting from ORN’s knowledge base, toolkits, and online resources to support your local projects.

Associate Member & Academic Institutions

£300 per year

For small not-for-profit /charitable organisations and academic institutions

Membership Benefits

  • Becoming an Associate / Academic Member gives you access to the core strengths of ORN’s broader membership proposition. Ideal for academics wanting to go further than the Academic Research Group meetings and perfect for employees of smaller not-for-profits aiming to influence conversations in the sector.

ORN 2026/27 Events Programme:

The ORN has a busy programme on offer to both members and non-members throughout the year both in person and online. There is opportunity for member organisations to present at these events and connect with others through wider discussions and networking opportunities. The ORN Secretariat share post event resources and recordings to extend the learning opportunity with members who cannot attend live or in person.

Strategic Proposition: Why should your organisation join the Outdoor Recreation Network?

The Outdoor Recreation Network (ORN) brings together organisations across the UK and Ireland that are actively engaged in outdoor recreation. Members share a common passion for collaboration and a commitment to knowledge exchange, working together to create lasting impact. ORN fosters innovation and joint action to ensure outdoor activities remain accessible, safe, and sustainable for generations to come.

High-Value Networking and Collaboration

Connect with senior stakeholders, researchers, and practitioners across government, academia, and the wider sector.

Collaborate on joint initiatives, share resources, and avoid duplication through effective knowledge exchange and partnership working.

Amplify impact by working collectively to address shared challenges and opportunities.

Brand Visibility and Reputation

Position your organisation as a thought leader through participation in ORN events, publications, and digital platforms.

Raise your profile via features in ORN’s e-zine, website, and social channels, and gain recognition for your teams through PR features, award nominations, and sector-wide visibility.

Demonstrate leadership and social responsibility by aligning your work with ORN’s focus on inclusive, sustainable outdoor engagement.

Showcasing Innovation

Share your achievements and case studies across ORN events, platforms, and podcasts.

Host an in-person Masterclass or online Learn & Grow session to highlight innovation and best practice within your organisation.

Show value to funders and partners by demonstrating your active contribution to collaboration and sector leadership.

Enhanced Sector Influence and Policy Engagament

Gain direct access to decision-makers shaping outdoor recreation across the UK and Ireland.

Play an active role in shaping the policy agenda, ensuring outdoor recreation’s strategic interests are represented in future legislation, investment programmes, and funding priorities.

Translate policy into practice through ORN’s evidence sharing, peer learning, and applied research – turning strategic goals into real-world outcomes.

Join ORN’s Executive Committee or specialist sub-groups to contribute directly to policy implementation and sector-wide initiatives.

Talent Development and Cost Savings

Provide your teams with complimentary or discounted access to ORN events to support professional development, strengthen staff retention, and reduce training costs.

Access exclusive research, sector reports, and post-event resources from members such as Natural England, Sport England, Natural Resources Wales, Ordnance Survey, Leeds Beckett University, and NatureScot etc.

Current Members

Our current members are organisations with an active engagement in outdoor recreation and with a passion to share and collaborate with others. By becoming a member of ORN you will have the opportunity to connect with these organisations.

Personal Value Proposition: Why should I join the Outdoor Recreation Network?

The Outdoor Recreation Network (ORN) offers many opportunities for employees to personally develop and raise their profile within the sector.

Learning and Inspiration

Join free Learn & Grow webinars and research sessions led by leading academics, policymakers, and practitioners.

Gain priority access to free or discounted tickets for in-person Masterclass events.

Be inspired by best practice and innovation that broaden your perspective and enrich your professional toolkit.

Professional Networking and Influence

Build strong connections with peers across public, private, and not-for-profit sectors.

Access mentoring, collaboration, and leadership opportunities within the network.

Contribute your voice to consultations and discussions shaping the future of outdoor recreation.

Making a Difference

Play an active role in a network that champions healthier, more inclusive, and sustainable outdoor spaces.

Strengthen your professional reputation by demonstrating environmental and social responsibility.

Career Development and Skills

Stay ahead with early access to cutting-edge sector research and insights to sharpen strategic thinking.

Build your expertise in outdoor recreation, leadership, sustainability, and stakeholder engagement.

Next Steps (potential new members)

If you would like to discuss ORN Membership further the ORN Secretariat would be delighted to set up an appointment with the ORN Co Chairs online.

Next Steps (existing members)

Employees of existing member organisations are encouraged to sign up to the ORN website to avail of the exclusive content available. You must sign up with a work email address to access.

Join the ORN Mailing List

Subscribe to the E-Newsletter to stay informed on the latest ORN news and events.

Action Plan 2025 - 2028

Read the ORN Action Plan that sets out the Network’s activities from April 2025 to March 2028. This plan helps us focus on the current challenges and opportunities to address over the next three years.

Other ways to get involved

We appreciate some organisations may not be in the position to join as members, however there are several ways you can engage with us:

Share this page