Moments of Wonder

As people of colour (POC) in the UK, what we know and how we engage with the natural world is shaped by a narrative which is not ours. Narratives of conquering, dominion, land ownership and cultivation of an idyll, belonging only to those who inherit a particular version of expertise and knowledge of the land. These narratives often remove us and our stories. They distance us from a relationship to nature, nature’s healing and from an understanding that we are inextricably part of the natural world. 

However, Black and POC walking groups are radically reclaiming space in nature and witnessing transformative moments of connection, belonging and collective healing. Six members of the Ebony Hikers walking group capture, through words and photographs, moments of wonder which (re)connect us with nature. Noticing these moments of wonder can help us to build an alternative narrative where nature is not a commodity, but a vital participant to our collective experience, ever present in our joy, sorrow, grief, survival, growth and the myriad human experiences which connect us.

Throughout all of life’s changes
Since I consciously started embracing the outdoors during the pandemic I have climbed Snowdon, hiked in Ghana, danced in waterfalls and drank pints of natural spring water hoping for a miracle. But one of the most special moments was getting to introduce a friend to my favourite tree in my city at a park I have visited since I was a little girl. The tree that has overheard conversations with family, friends and exes. The tree that has grounded me when teaching yoga and overheard me begging my mom to let us stay and play out for 5 more minutes. So to sit underneath it, with my friend in this new season of life felt really special. Throughout all of life’s changes, that tree has been a constant.

Photo by Noémie, words by Natalia

Healing and thriving

Whilst hiking in Morocco in the Atlas Mountain range, reaching the top, looking out at the views inspires a sense of achievement, happiness, appreciation of the beauty of nature’s art gallery and serenity… healing & thriving not just surviving!!

By CC

I was brought here to see the view from above

Earlier this year we went hiking in Alvor, Algarve, Portugal. We stopped at Praia dos Três Irmãos and decided to ‘see what’s there’ as we couldn’t find the beach we were looking for.

I was literally blown over by the beauty I saw every step of the way. There were jaw dropping views from the coastal hike. I took pictures and walked on further and there was another spectacular view, one after another. I was so grateful to have stumbled on this part of the Algarve and felt I was brought here to see the view from above.

By Petula

Nature’s offering

Nature is where my ancestors reside and my relationship with them is sacred.  Next year will mark the year that I would have lived longer without my mother in my life. Nature offers a non-judgemental environment, where I am able to process my grief and honour the world that sustains me. Nature demonstrates that death is not the end. For instance, when leaves decompose, they enhance the soil for new growth. When I walk through nature, I know my ancestors including my mom is walking with me.

By Danielle

My go to place

I’ve been in nature ever since I can remember originating from Wolves and spending time in Wales camping in the Derbyshire dales and school trips. Nature and the wilds never cease to amaze me even at 65. My go to place.

Photo by Noémie, words by Carole

Witnessing wonder

There’s something for me about coming back to a place I’ve been before. It’s as if the familiarity liberates something in me to witness the subtle changes in colour, seasons, temperatures, growth and movement that is always happening in nature. 

There’s this one striking moment, returning to a spot where I’d previously hiked alone – caught in hail, lost in the forest, battered by wind and just desperate to get home. But this time, I’m back with a friend. The sunshine fights its way through a misty morning, the grasses giving way to the breeze, the birds waking up to sing and we just stop, silent, taking it all in.  

By Noémie