All gates lead to new opportunities to explore

For over 15 years now, the Muddy Matches open farm gate logo has been recognised, and trusted, by rural singles as the gateway to new possibilities and opportunity to explore; the start of a new adventure.

In fact, it represents everything that is exciting, brave, bold and empowering about stepping into rural online dating with us. For some it will be steps into the unknown, with a little trepidation of not knowing what’s around the corner. For others, the traditional farm gate is a sign of reassurance and comfort that what they will unearth behind is familiar when it comes to their outlook on country life.

We love our logo. As the original home of farmer dating and country life love in the UK, it is our celebratory nod to the great British countryside that connects all those that choose to walk through it.

So, when we stumbled across a well-loved public group, on social media, celebrating countryside gates in all their splendour, it was likely to be a sure-fire hit with us.

We live and breathe the importance of shared interests in connecting people, especially those that champion fresh air and discovery. This group was definitely our ‘common ground’.

The Gate Appreciation Society on Facebook has caught our imagination ever since we caught sight of it. We are not alone either. The open group has attracted over 16,000 people and grown rapidly in recent months as the nation rediscovers an appreciation of nature and green space.

Started in 2015, it is now that the group has really come to life.

It is active too, with healthy discussion about where gates lead to, daily photo uploads and respected countryside photographers regularly contributing, alongside the amateur snapper. It’s full of farm gates, twine, country house gateways, churchyard gates, gates that boast breath-taking settings, those that hide secrets on rural estates, and good old fashioned craftsmanship.

From decorative wrought iron and oak, to rusty and run down but still serving a purpose, nothing is judged.

Followers marvel at the construction and architecture. People find favour in the views behind and respectfully want to know more so they can explore what lies beyond.

For us, we love the stories. We can appreciate a good gate and great design, but the storytelling is key to help us imagine ourselves the other side of it, in muddy boots, all set out to wholeheartedly explore.

However, whatever the motivation, it’s just a feel good place to be. A community that unashamedly enjoys the simple things in life; no drama, no tension, no memes or gifs or trying too hard to impress.

And we all need that in our lives right now.