This Black British hiker is tackling exclusion from the outdoors

As corporations, governments, organizations and educational institutions confront what diversity and inclusion looks like from the inside, one UK hiker has created a community for people of colour outdoors.

Rhiane Fatinikun founded Black Girls Hike (BGH) in 2019 to encourage black women to explore the UK countryside in the safety of sisterhood. Fatinikun came up with the idea when she noticed there were few people who looked like her involved in the hobby. Hiking is often considered a white-dominated activity, and the Greater Manchester resident wanted to do her part to change that.

"The lack of representation in hiking is clear for all to see", Fatinikun told Women’s Health this year.

"It's never something I associated with Black people – it’s not even marketed at Black people."

“I wasn’t keen on the prospect of venturing out alone or joining a typical hikers’ group where there'd be nobody I could identify with.”

The idea for Black Girls Hike was born. Fatinikun launched an Instagram profile for the group and planned their first meet-up last year. Since BGH began, 150 women have joined Fatinikun on 19 different hikes. Together, they have scaled Snowdon, the highest peak in Wales.

Fatinikun’s experiences illustrate the wider issue of a lack of diversity in public parks. In the US, around 90% of visitors to public parks are white, despite making up about 60% of the population.

The lack of minority visitors on public lands could be linked to affordability and access. Some parks have entrance fees, are unreachable by public transit, or require expensive equipment.

There is also a history of prejudice tied to outdoors activities. Until 1964, segregation laws were still in place at public recreation sites, including parks. A 2018 study found 66% of US Blacks surveyed associated the outdoors with lynching, slavery and police brutality.

Research shows access to green spaces can help with depression, decrease stress and improve physical health. As society leans into the health benefits of nature, it’s important that all cultures and ethnicities feel safe and welcome outdoors.

“I’m proud that we’re challenging stereotypes and showing people that the outdoors is for everyone – representation really does matter,” Fatinikun said.

The group is currently raising money to create nature retreats to help women heal from traumatic events. The retreats will include trained counsellors and wellness workshops, along with forest bathing, yoga and meditation.