Minority communities are edged out of the UK’s green spaces. I’m trying to change that

‘If we aim to cherish the universality of nature’s beauty, we must make it universally accessible too.’ Muslim Hikers members at Malham Cove, North Yorkshire. Photograph: Muslim Hikers

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.