Step By Step: Embracing Diversity & Inclusion In The Outdoors
Estimated reading time 3 minutes
I love being in the outdoors and get a lot out of it. I’m also grateful that, living in Kent, I am not far from the forests, fields, and the coast.
This wasn’t always the case though. Growing up in a deprived area of London, the green, green grass wasn’t somewhere I could easily get to, or would think about honestly. I recognise a lot of people in the inner cities and particularly the BAME community are underrepresented in the outdoors.
Why Is There A Disparity?
Outdoor activities often require equipment (hiking boots, camping gear) and travel expenses, which can be a lot for low-income households like mine was.
A lot of people from BAME communities aren’t aware of nearby natural spaces or how to access them. I lived a stone’s throw away from Epping Forest and didn’t know about it till I was an adult!
One thing that is noticeable unfortunately is the outdoor industry and its marketing often doesn’t reflect the interests and identities of BAME communities, making these it seem less appealing or relevant. Although it is getting better with a lot more role models.
A major issue though is safety in unfamiliar areas; especially if they have experienced or fear racial discrimination or hostility ☹
So What Can Be Done?
It’s one of the reasons we created MJ Outdoor Adventures – to create a community that provide welcoming access to the outdoors, including guided trips whoever you are or where you are from 😊
I believe highlighting the diversity of people who enjoy outdoor activities is a great way to showcase that everyone is accepted in these spaces. I think if we can educate people in within the community and teach about local natural areas and the benefits of being outdoors, it will make being it seem more accessible and exciting!
You can also work with local community groups to plan and promote outdoor activities that cater to the interests and needs of a more diverse community!
The benefits of being outdoors are clear - hiking, walking, or cycling is a great way to improve cardio, strength, and overall physical fitness; not to mention it reduced stress and improves your mood. Being outdoors is a great way to foster social connections and strengthen our community bonds, which helps reduce isolation and helps promote social support networks!
This is something I believe all of us would welcome and benefit from!!
