The British countryside is often perceived as universally accessible, a tranquil escape open for all to enjoy. But is this truly the case? From my experience as a member of and advocate for minority communities in the UK, it has become increasingly evident that time in the natural world is far less accessible to some of us than we would hope.
I’ve been adventuring in the outdoors for nearly 20 years now, and from the very beginning I noticed that I wouldn’t bump into people like myself in rural spaces, despite my city being very diverse.
One might think that nature, being free, is available to all. But free isn’t enough when we consider the barriers faced by minority communities. Geographical limitations are often the first hurdle: most minority communities are based in urban areas, making it an endeavour both in terms of time and resources to travel to rural areas. A recent study showed the whitest areas of the country enjoy an astounding 144% more local footpaths than the most ethnically diverse.
When the pandemic hit, I sensed there was an opportunity to start improving the diversity in our rural spaces, while tackling loneliness and connecting communities at the same time. I founded Muslim Hikers, a global movement that is now the largest community in the world for Muslims interested in the outdoors. What started as an online community quickly grew to include walking events, where we meet up and enjoy these spaces together.
We set out to normalise these activities for underrepresented communities like ours, because barriers to accessing rural spaces are just the tip of the iceberg. Cultural norms can also play a significant role in deterring minority groups from engaging with the outdoors. In communities where outdoor activities have not been traditionally emphasised, there’s a lack of knowledge about where to go, what to wear and how to prepare for something like a hike or camping trip. This absence of knowhow becomes self-perpetuating, preventing new generations from developing a relationship with the natural world.
Moreover, there’s the overarching issue of not seeing oneself reflected in the outdoor community. From advertisements to social media, the faces we see enjoying green spaces often don’t reflect the diversity of our communities. This lack of representation discourages people from feeling as if they belong in these spaces, and it is further worsened by experiences of overt racism and Islamophobia – a reality our organisation knows all too well.
The consequences are manifold. Multiple studies show that exposure to nature significantly boosts mental and physical wellbeing. Lack of access to these health benefits is a societal failure that disproportionately affects minority communities. This disparity is not just a niche “outdoorsy” issue: it is a public health issue.
A situation in which only some people see nature as “theirs” diminishes our collective stewardship of these vital ecosystems. A person who has never felt the tranquillity of a forest, the grandeur of a mountain, or the vastness of an open field is less likely to advocate for the protection of these spaces.
So what can be done? We must tackle this problem at both macro and micro levels. Policy changes need to be enacted that ensure equitable access to public footpaths and green spaces, especially in urban areas. Public transport routes to green spaces need to be improved and subsidised for lower-income households.
Community-driven initiatives can also have an immediate impact. Organisations like ours, while geared towards specific communities, are promoting wider diversity in the outdoors. By organising group events that educate individuals on outdoor preparedness and etiquette, these initiatives are making the countryside more approachable and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of their ethnic or cultural background.
Public bodies and private companies must also take responsibility. Whether it’s outdoor brands showcasing more diversity in their advertising or local councils investing in accessible, safe, well-maintained footpaths, it’s high time the outdoors became truly inclusive.
While the British countryside may be open in theory, it is not, in practice, open to everyone. If we aim to cherish the universality of nature’s beauty, we must make it universally accessible, too.
Haroon Mota is a mountaineer and the founder of Muslim Hikers and Active Inclusion Network
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