A series of inspiring and illuminating events, activities and training to connect BIPOC and minority ethnic people with nature. We know the benefits nature has on our health and wellbeing, especially during this last year, but many people don't feel comfortable or welcome in public green spaces. (Recent research shows that only 2% of visitors to national parks were from BIPOC and minority ethnic communities). The BLooM series will be led by outstanding BIPOC nature practitioners aimed at creating safe and welcoming environments that show how important nature connection is to our wellbeing. The sessions will support people with the skills and confidence to get involved with their local green spaces whilst celebrating the experiences and environmental knowledge of people of colour. Our events will include culturally-appropriate and relevant nature walks, herbalism, foraging, nature crafts, cooking and preserving and gardening.

What we'll deliver:

• 10 INSPIRING EVENTS, ACTIVITIES AND TRAINING SESSIONS TO CONNECT PEOPLE WITH NATURE
• PAY BLACK CURATOR/PROJECT MANAGER, PROJECT OFFICER, VOLUNTEER AND EVENT FACILITATORS

Why it's a great idea:

As a small environmental and community organisation we have felt the benefits that nature and gardening can bring but know that some people in our community don't feel welcome or comfortable in green spaces. So we understand that creating inclusive spaces will make the whole community physically, mentally, socially and politically healthier. After all, diversity is nature’s way! Through our safe and welcoming activities we aim to: - Help make more people feel comfortable and confident in nature - and ultimately want to look after it. - Connect the community with their local green spaces. - Promote and support black female and non-binary nature practitioners and champions of nature: herbalists, cooks, environmentalists, botanists etc as leaders of the events. They are people who are outstanding in their field but might not get the visibility they deserve. We want to ‘normalise’ people of colour in environmentalism and gardening so that it's no longer unusual.

Steps to get it done:

• Research, identify and hire black facilitators for 10 Bloom events
• Prepare promotional materials - flyers and online - and distribute
• Recruit a volunteer
• Make a timetable of events
• Buy materials for sessions
• Report back

During lockdown we ran six online events led by black women who are practitioners and champions of nature – the BLooM Series. These events were very popular and attracted a diverse audience. We’d like to build on the interest and connections we made by taking the BlooM series outside.