Reconnect With Nature (Summer) for BPOC only

Aileen is a nature enthusiast, conservationist and activist. She has been involved with the RSPB, Scottish Wildlife Trust, ESA Scotland and ESEA Outdoors. As part of the diaspora, those with mixed heritages, migrants, and/or multicultural people — our sense of belonging and connection to this place can often be complicated. Being in the countryside can also feel like a place that is not for us.

This summer session offers members of BPOC communities to recalibrate our relationship with nature and the outdoors in a gentle and mindful way. It also gives us time to stop, reflect and/or create, if participants wish to do so.

We will use all our senses to observe nature during a 5km walk. We will take our time to identify and learn about different birds, plants and their uses. We will also discuss their history, including the role that colonialism has played in conservation today.

We will walk at a gentle pace because our aim is not the destination, but the journey. Roughly halfway through the walk we will make a prolonged stop for a drink, snack and to reflect however participants wish — whether this is through meditation, movement or creating.

Prompts will be provided for those who wish to use the reflection time to write or journal. This will include readings of poetry / essays from BPOC authors to help participants feel empowered. Before we continue our walk, there will be the opportunity to share reflections for those who wish to do so.

ID guides will also be available for reference throughout the walk, but also for those who wish to read during our reflection time. As a wildlife photographer, Aileen will also be available to guide those who wish to use this time to photograph their surroundings.

What to bring: Even though this is taking place during summer, the weather can be unpredictable. We will at times be in open areas which are exposed to the elements. Please bring sturdy footwear (which might get wet and muddy) as well as warm and waterproof layers. You may wish to bring something to sit on during reflections, if seating is not available.

If you would like to write or journal, please also bring a pad and pen. Similarly if you would like to read during the reflection time, please bring a book. Or if you would like to meditate or do physical movement, you are welcome to bring a yoga mat. Don’t forget to bring plenty of water and sunscreen!

What will be provided: ID books, one pair of binoculars to share (feel free to bring your own if you have them), poetry and non fiction books for readings, a hot drink and vegan homemade treat. Please let me know if you have any allergies.

Where it will take place: In the South Edinburgh region with access to public transport. Details of the route and the meeting point will be shared directly with participants closer to the date. The exact location therefore does not correspond with the map above.

Who is this event for: Anyone aged 18+ who wants to learn more about nature and meet like-minded people. You do not need to have walking experience — or in any creative field — or any knowledge of birds or wildlife. The walk is for all abilities — please let me know if you have any accessibility needs. This is a queer-friendly space.

Please note these sessions are for BPOC* only (see definition below) to offer a level of collective care, healing and safer space that is not widely available.

The session size is limited to allow for a better experience. For those in a group of 4 or more, please get in touch as a separate private session will be more suitable.

There are two funded places for those who are unable to afford a ticket. Please get in touch to request and check availability.

Photography and videos will be taken at this event. These may be used for marketing, publicity, and fundraising for future events, including but not limited to social media. Attendees will be asked for their consent prior to the start of the walk.

Participants are expected to adhere to our Safer Spaces Policy.

*BPOC stands for ‘Black people, People of Colour’ and is a self-identifying term. While the term BPOC is used here, there are limitations with this terminology. These sessions aim to address and overcome systemic barriers that people face directly or indirectly based on their ethnic or national identities, race or perceived racial identities, or the colour of their skin as per the Equality Act of 2010. This includes people who identify as Black, brown, people of colour, Global Majority, mixed-race, multiple heritage and/or are from the Global South, and/or are East and Southeast Asian, West Asian, South Asian, Middle Eastern, Arab, African, African-Caribbean, Caribbean, Latinx, Pacific Islander, Indigenous, or First Nations, and diasporas.

Host or Publisher Decolonising The Outdoors