Nature for all

Helping refugees and asylum seekers to enjoy the New Forest National Park.

My name is Hayden and I am a ranger in the New Forest. As the New Forest National Park Authority, we’re committed to ensuring the National Park is an inclusive place for all and that people within reach of the New Forest, of all backgrounds, abilities and socio-economic groups can benefit from it.

I am aware my position as National Park ranger and my access to nature is a huge privilege and as part of my role I want to make sure we are doing as much as possible to make sure green spaces really are inclusive and accessible to all.

We, as a society, are so aware of how crucial access to nature is to good mental health – yet those that need it most are often unable to access it. As part of our Inclusive National Park work, we are working hard to ensure that those vulnerable and marginalised communities can feel a part of the New Forest and reap the benefits of nature.   

Refugees and asylum seekers are one of the most scrutinised communities in our society, and when I realised we didn’t actively engage with this community I wanted to make sure this changed. Many refugees face lots of barriers to accessing nature, from lack of money and restrictions on seeking work, to not having the right kit or feeling unsafe and unwelcomed outdoors.

Over the last 18 months we have been working with local charities in Salisbury, Bournemouth, and Southampton that help welcome refugees and asylum seekers to the South coast of England. Our work together involves creating a welcoming safe space in the outdoors for people to get together and be in nature.

We started by bringing the New Forest to where one of the groups meet in Southampton, building trust and introducing the idea of UK National Parks and green spaces in a place where they feel comfortable. We then led a walk out on Southampton Common where we practised mindfulness and highlighted what green spaces were immediately accessible. This worked well as it allowed the group to get to know us as group leaders, to explore nature and relax in a different environment.

Since then, we have led guided walks and cycle rides, with the focus being to explore the New Forest and feel a part of the local community. We’ve enjoyed picnics, trips on the New Forest Tour open top tour bus, and full days out throughout the different seasons. We’ve lead habitat management conservation tasks including pine pulling with our partners at Forestry England and give participants a chance to do something physical and contribute to conservation of the New Forest – with hopefully a real sense of achievement.

We are fortunate to have a bank of warm hats and gloves that we can give out for people to use while they are with us – as we have said before another barrier they face is not having warm/waterproof kit. The hope in the future is to have waterproof jackets and boots available as well to help make participants more comfortable.

These visits to the New Forest are often oversubscribed and have a waiting list, and the feedback from participants shows just how vital these trips are:

‘The city is not real life, nature is where I feel alive.’ – participant

‘It’s so calming, I feel free like the ponies.’   –  participant

‘I feel like I have come home.’ – participant

‘There are couple of those guys who have severe mental health issues, and it was good to see them smiling.’ – group leader  

‘They are different people as soon as they step off the train, you see them relax.’ – group leader

These trips are so vital. Refugee communities continue to be under such scrutiny and go through such adversity and if we, as the National Park, can help in any way we will. Nature is there for me when I need it and I want to make sure everyone feels they can lean on green spaces when they need it too.

To find out more, please contact Hayden.Bridgeman@newforestnpa.gov.uk