🍓🌷For me nature is instant serotonin and peace, however for many of us who grew up in city areas, being in nature seems like something separate to us all together. Growing up as a black girl, I saw the environmental and nature space as very white, and something not for me. Even though I’ve always felt connected to nature and empathy for animals. I’ve never seen myself reflected in the movement. Our ancestors were close to nature, for many from the diaspora and have family back home, you can see it. However I did not have access to these beautiful nature spots that I have had the privilege of being able to explore today, or very many at all. Many people have been surprised at how I haven’t experienced environmental spaces when I was younger, but those like me aren’t at all: People of colour in the UK often lack access to quality green spaces. In 2019, 69% of white people reported visiting natural spaces at least once a week compared to 41% of Black people and 38% of Asian people. (Groundwork org report). @greenpeaceuk recently released an amazing report about the link with racism and environmental issues, highly recommend using it. And was happy to see a quote of mine was used in it. Now, I love the woods, I have favourite types of trees which bring me so much joy to recognise, and just to be in the presence of, they have become a special interest of mine. Beautiful green giants provide so much stillness, and peace. I’ve recently got into bird watching, and feeling excited to spot new birds. And I love spotting the everyday beauty around me. The plants growing from the concrete slabs. The tree you pass by everyday but have never really noticed. The birds that frequent your area. Although sometimes I still feel imposter syndrome in the environmental space which is largely white. I know that I belong in nature too. I deserve to enjoy the beauty in this world. To see myself as a nature lover, a bird spotter, everything. [#environmentallyfriendly #fairycore #cottagecore #ecofriendly #environmentalist #domipalmer ]