Midlands Enterprise Awards 2020

63 | Midlands Enterprise Awards 2020 Sep20368 Most Family-Friendly Outdoor Adventure Attraction - Lincolnshire Situated in the beautiful, woodland region of Bottesford, North Lincolnshire, Arialtrail is a one-of-a-kind High Ropes Adventure course for children and adults alike. Created by Denise and Andy Fowler, with the help of their team and local landowner, Andrew Jackson, Arialtrail is all about getting people out into the great outdoors, building confidence and getting better acquainted with the natural world, all whilst having fun climbing through the canopies of North Lincolnshire’s woodland. We spoke to Denise, Andy and the team to find out more. Arialtrail is a High Ropes Adventure Course situated in the beautiful woodland area of Bottesford, and the first of its kind in North Lincolnshire. Opened in 2016, Arialtrail was the dream of directors and owners, Denise and Andy Fowler, who saw the opportunity to open a high ropes course in the area as a great way of getting people outdoors and falling in love with nature. For more than a year, Denise and Andy researched high ropes courses using their years of experience in the Fire Service to consider health and safety, training and leadership details of running their own course. Eventually, they came up with a final plan and applied for planning permission, also sourcing a partner in experienced designer, JM Adventures, to build the course. With the help of Andy, a joiner by trade, who was able to construct the ground level structures himself, the course was up and ready in 2016 for minimal building costs. The course is designed for anyone over one metre tall, and is five metres above the ground, comprises of thirteen floating elements and five zip wires at varying lengths, two of which are 100 meters long. Andy and Denise’s principal aim in opening the course was to take ‘family fun’ one step further, incorporating the additional ‘challenge by choice’ that was an integral element of the high ropes concept. As such, the company provides fantastic school packages and team building activities in a natural environment, combining education, communication and empowerment, all at an affordable price point. These values and mission have been brought to life by the excellent training and guidance of Master Instructor, Phil Richardson from Vertex Training, and the rest of the team. Each member shares Denise and Andy’s love of engaging with the adventurers who visit them, helping to empower even the most nervous visitors to take those first nervous steps all the way to finishing the course and having a lot of fun, as Andy tells us: “I love nothing more than having fun talking to the children and the adults, finding out where they are from and knowing a bit about them. People love to talk, and I love to listen. I also love to laugh and joke with the kids at their level, it makes for a pleasant and fun filled day. For me being part of the team mixing with different people from all over the UK and further afield, listening to their stories, is fantastic.” For Denise, it is the happiness and wellbeing of guests that she takes particular pride in, and which encouraged her to write an award-winning research essay on her passion for Transactional Analysis as a theory of psychotherapy and its humanistic values. “I also bring my philosophy of fairness and equality to Arialtrail, I would say this is the golden thread that weaves through my businesses and why I enjoy myself so much when everything is balanced, and I am at my best. This is how we are able to provide the best possible service to our customers.” For Jess, it is elements such as Arialtrail’s attention to detail in customer service and the sense of satisfaction in seeing adventurers of all ages overcome nerves and have fun on the course. Team member Ellie says, “I may be a little biased, but Andy and Denise have really created a fantastic business and local activity for families of all ages, and I am extremely proud to have been a member since the very beginning.” Arialtrail has seen an increase in new visitors seeking family friendly outdoor activities in recent months, as well as loyal adventurers returning, sharing the enjoyment with family, friends, and work colleagues, and enjoying the freedom and sense of wellbeing that comes from nature. Arialtrail has really felt the support from visitors old and new in recent months as a small, independent Midlands business. With their continued support, the future looks bright, as Arialtrail invites even more schools and families from all over the Midlands and beyond to come and join in the fun. Contact: Denise and Andy Fowler Company: Arialtrail Ltd Web Address: Arialtrail .co.uk