Despite what the media and social networks tend to portray, the outdoors is for everyone! This includes black, asian and other minority ethnic communities (BAME). Lauren Depass, Head of Copywriting at Quirky Campers says “The lack of representation in the outdoors can leave POC questioning whether we have a place in the outdoors and result in us feeling isolated in nature. This has to change!” 

Here are 11 outdoorsy groups run by and for POC, where you can connect with like-minded adventure lovers and begin to reclaim your space within outdoors.

Black Girls Hike

Black Girls Hike is an inspirational walking group who focus on creating a safe space for black women outdoors. Founded in 2019 by Rhiane to tackle the lack of representation and increase participation of black women in outdoor spaces, BGH hosts nationwide group hikes, outdoor activity days and events.

How do I sign up?

You can sign up via Eventbrite and Facebook

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Steppers UK

Leading walks throughout the nation, Steppers UK focuses on encouraging and supporting black, asian and ethnic minorities to build relationships with the outdoors with activities such as hiking and rock climbing. Their bio carries the hashtag #GoodViewsGoodVibes and this certainly shines through in all their imagery. 

How do I sign up?

You can join their walks by signing up via Eventbrite

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We Go Outside Too

Birmingham based Maron Patrice started We Go Outside Too in 2020 to help young youths from inner city black communities see the beauty of the great outdoors and experience its healing powers. 

How do I sign up?

Contact them directly through the website or instagram

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Wild in the City 

Wild in the City is a London based group supporting the relationships between urban residents and the great outdoors. Not only do they organise hiking adventures led by their very own nature guide, they also offer you the opportunity to develop your woodland living and bushcraft skills. 

How do I sign up?

You can email them directly at info@wildinthecity.org.uk

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Peaks of Colour 

Based in the Peak District, Peaks of Colour is a walking club created by and for people of colour. Walks across well-known Peak District locations are hosted monthly and range in difficulty. They’re also child and pet friendly so the whole family can get involved with reclaiming green spaces. 

How do I sign up?

There is a private facebook group where their expeditions are announced and you can request to join

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Black Trail Runners

Running is for everyone and there is no group which showcases this more than Black Trail Runners. This community and campaign group focuses on increasing inclusion, representation and participation of POC in trail running

How do I sign up?

There are plenty of ways to join BTR including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Starva and directly on their website

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Boots and Beards

Boots and Beards is a Glasgow based organisation which focuses on helping minority groups get outdoors and improve their mental and physical wellbeing. They run a wide variety of events including hill walks, badminton matches and retreats. 

How do I sign up?

There is a whatsapp group you can request to join via their website. Some events require you to purchase a ticket

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All the Elements 

Founded by Soraya Abdel-Hadi, All the Elements focuses on raising diversity in the outdoors and building connections with likeminded people. They also have a wide selection of resources on their website from book and podcast recommendations to press pieces. 

How do I sign up?

Register for All the Elements events directly on their website

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Flock Together 

Flock Together is a bird watching group for POC. Their aims are to reclaim green spaces, challenge perceptions and help people to rebuild relationships in nature. They host monthly walks which take place in city parks and remote forests. 

How do I sign up?

You can easily sign up via email or instagram 

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The Wanderlust Women

The Wanderlust Women was founded by Amira The Wanderlust, an avid adventurer, mountaineer and expedition leader. She describes the mountains as her office and hopes to encourage muslim women and women of ethnic minorities to get outdoors and break barriers and misconceptions. 

How do I sign up?

You can book an event via Eventbrite and register your interest directly on their website

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Diversify Vanlife UK

In the first instance, Diversify Vanlife UK is a digital platform on instagram. However, it is so much more. Diversify Vanlife UK is a community, a safe space for underrepresented and marginalised individuals within the vanlife and nomadic communities. DV UK have recently launched a WhatsApp group for community members to chat and organise meet ups. 

How do I sign up?

You can reach out via Instagram or email lauren@quirkycampers.co.uk