Celebrating a Decade of Connecting Diverse Youth to Nature

An environmental advocate who established a charity aimed at helping children from ethnic minority backgrounds engage with nature reflects on a decade of significant change in the cultural landscape.

Dr. Mya-Rose Craig, known as ‘Birdgirl’, initiated Black2Nature when she was just 13 years old, with the goal of bridging the gap for children from Visible Minority Ethnic (VME) communities and the outdoors.

As she commemorates the 10th anniversary of her organization, she observes that the current climate feels notably different, although she acknowledges that substantial work still lies ahead.

“It’s remarkable to reflect on the past ten years and the hundreds of children we’ve impacted,” she expressed. “The variety of activities and the transformations in lives have been incredible.”

Dr. Craig noted that when she first began discussing the issues of diversity in outdoor spaces, the responses were often resistant.

“I recall that during my early discussions, many were reluctant to engage with me on these topics,” she shared. “It seemed to unsettle them, as they were unwilling to confront the realities of exclusion and racism. However, so much has changed over the last decade.”

She added, “This shift is thrilling for me because creating a more sustainable environment necessitates inclusive participation from everyone.”

Black2Nature organizes camps, day outings, and outdoor experiences aimed at enhancing accessibility for VME children, youth, and their families.

The charity also advocates for increased racial diversity within the environmental sector and ensures equitable access to green spaces.

Originating from the Chew Valley in Somerset, Dr. Craig’s inspiration to launch the charity stemmed from her profound passion for nature and the environment.

“I firmly believe that nature is a crucial asset that other kids should have access to for their mental and physical well-being,” she stated. “Many of these children have never set foot in the countryside, so we aim to challenge those preconceived notions.”

Dr. Craig explained that for a significant number of the children they serve, the countryside feels like an inaccessible realm.

Research conducted by the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE) reveals that individuals from ethnic minority backgrounds typically experience 11 times less access to green areas compared to their peers.

For parents like Kumar Sultana, 42, from Bristol, Black2Nature has opened doors to experiences her family might have otherwise missed.

“As a low-income parent, I lack the means for activities like camping,” she articulated.

She emphasized that the initiatives have enabled her children to connect with nature while learning about sustainability.

Ms. Sultana, who comes from a Pakistani heritage, reflected on the absence of such experiences during her own upbringing.

“Camping was not part of our cultural practices, and financial constraints further hinder access,” she mentioned. “There are places we’ve visited that I couldn’t have afforded on my own.”

To celebrate its 10-year milestone, the charity plans to host a conference at the University of the West of England (UWE) on Wednesday, focusing on issues related to racial equity, educational opportunities, and career pathways in the environmental domain.

Looking to the future, Dr. Craig expressed her aspiration for environmental organizations to engage more authentically with diverse communities, as well as for young individuals to be informed about career opportunities within the sector.

She also advocates for broader access to nature throughout the United Kingdom.

“I would love to see improvements in the quality of green spaces in urban areas. There is often a class divide regarding access to green areas, with more affluent neighborhoods enjoying better parks,” she concluded.