News 
Programme encourages ethnic communities to explore the natural environment
3 August 2009
Forestry Commission Scotland has expanded its outreach programme for another three years to continue its work in encouraging ethnic and other minority groups to enjoy the natural environment.
Pilot studies have revealed that although people from different cultures are interested in the outdoors, they may not feel confident accessing it or know what is available to them, even within their own urban environment.
To help to overcome this, Forestry Commission Scotland has arranged a number of outings in recent weeks for members from diverse communities such as Eritrea, Bangladesh and Nepal culminating in the Commission being one of the main sponsors of the children’s area at this year’s Edinburgh Mela Festival (August 7-9).
The groups visited a few of the many parks and woods that Edinburgh has to offer, including Corstorphine Hill, Colinton Dell and Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park.
Maida Ballarini, Development Officer for Forestry Commission Scotland is preparing for the Mela event and is keen the message gets across that the benefits of exploring nature for these groups is not only about improving social connections but also about improving healthier lifestyles.
“The Mela is a multicultural festival that targets many of the people we want to reach and we would hope to work alongside other organisations where appropriate,” Maida said. “Being located in Pilrig Park is ideal for us, as it is a good example of an urban green space that has much to offer – provided people feel at ease with using it.
“In Scotland we are fortunate to have large areas of woodland and urban green space, but many people are either unaware it exists or not aware that it is public space that is open to all.
“We know that the physical environment that surrounds us is key to our health and wellbeing. Through our outreach programme we are making a concerted effort to connect with those communities and provide opportunities for outdoor access for all,” Maida said.
Over the next three years, the Forestry Commission Scotland will work to maximise the use of green networks and woodlands for the benefit of a diverse range of groups and communities. Participants in the programme have been enthusiastic.
“I most enjoyed walking with other Bengali women in the nature,” said one woman who took part in an outing to the Water of Leith. “It was my first time ever in the woods here and it reminded me of my home country of Bangladesh. The day was full of fun and the experience has changed me – I have decided to join a walking group.”
Nine-year-old Baha from Palestine said: “We walked for a long time, I’ve never walked that far like that in my life! I’ve discovered lots of things – how they built forts in the olden days and I tried blueberries and chocolate bananas on the fire. It was exciting and I had brilliant fun helping my friends build a den.”
Ends
Notes to editors
- Forestry Commission Scotland serves as the Scottish Government’s forestry directorate and manages the 667,000 hectare national forest estate. The Commission’s woodlands are making a difference to the well being of Scotland’s people and their communities. Local woodlands act as a catalyst for communities to meet up, get involved with projects and volunteering, or simply enjoy the many walking trails, bike rides and peace and quiet that forests and woodlands can offer. By developing more woodlands, especially near towns and cities, woodlands can also improve healthier lifestyles and bring a boost to urban development across Scotland.
- For more information about the Forestry Commission Scotland please visit www.forestry.gov.uk/scotland
- The Edinburgh Mela Festival was founded in 1995 by members of the city’s minority ethnic communities, and one of its key objectives was to reflect and celebrate Scotland’s cultural diversity
- Media enquiries to Steve Williams, Forestry Commission Scotland press office 0131 314 6508. Images of the outreach excursions are also available for media use.
