During Scotland’s Year of Stories, the Scottish Wildlife Trust is publishing a series of first-hand accounts from people who have faced barriers connecting to nature.

In this story Ammara Abid describes how the Bonnie Boots project is helping to empower women from BAME communities to build bridges into nature and wellbeing by exploring the great outdoors and experiencing Scotland’s wildlife.

Be it hiking on Ben A’an or walking through the trees of Leannach Forest, as I’m taking in the beauty that surrounds me in Scotland, I am truly captivated. Being amongst nature has always brought a sense of calmness to me and when I was presented with the opportunity to become the Coordinator for the Bonnie Boots project, I simply couldn’t refuse. I was thrilled at the chance to be able to get my boots on and get outdoors and on top of all that I can take groups of women to enjoy this liberty too. This chance of being able to show others what I love and guide others into nature has been refreshing and every hike has its own tale.

Boots and Beards started the Bonnie Boots project in 2017. It is run by women for women from diverse backgrounds to give them a space of their own. They recognised that women also needed a chance to embrace the outdoors as nature has no colour or identity. To some, the idea of being outdoors is scary and the Bonnie Boots project provided this platform to overcome any barriers preventing women from accessing the outdoors and showing them that it’s not as daunting as it first seems.

The thing I adore about this project is that we are all able to connect through nature and I get to do something I love.

Leading a women’s only project has not just shown me how many benefits it’s had for women but also how valuable this is for them as they are able to leave behind their lives and stresses and just let it all go as we stroll through the beauty of the scenic surroundings. The calmness of the wind, the sounds of the little streams running through the valleys and the breath-taking views bring the group together in a tranquil way. The thing I adore about this project is that we are all able to connect through nature and I get to do something I love.

As I take the groups out, I get the chance to speak to them all and everyone has their own story. Some have come away to take time out from their hectic desk job or someone has lost a loved one and is sharing how they have continued to get up each day and are getting on with life. A participant opened up to me about her divorce and she is currently managing her children as well as being the bread winner for her family. There are so many warriors in our communities who have a lot going on behind the scenes and have no one to share their thoughts with. In all of this, women get the chance to share and chat, a chance to get it all out of their system and it shows them that they are not alone. Someone out there may also be in a similar situation to them and its ok.

Best of all, we get to meet new faces from all backgrounds and can share things about our culture from the different kinds of food we eat to simple things like our own hobbies or personal quirks, or even share something they have accomplished. Overall, it’s been a breath of fresh air to have this space just for women to be who they want to be – away from society or any prejudices.

Unfortunately, the outdoors is still seen as a white only space, however, by setting up this group we aim to get the BAME community into the outdoors. I’ve noticed on our walks that women are comfortable to come with us as we are in a group but when asked if they would venture out on their own, they were hesitant. This could be due to looking different either due to the colour of their skin or even because of them wearing a hijab – headscarf. They feel they don’t fit in or are just not confident to take the first step. By coming with us they feel safe and secure and have a sense of belonging. We are building bridges into nature and focusing on how they can also improve their mental, physical and social wellbeing.

Boots and Beards have won numerous awards for the work they have done for the community, most recently The Pride of Scotland in June 2022. We don’t just take community on hikes, but also run weekly badminton sessions separately for male and females and in the winter months, as an alternative we run yoga, spin and even bootcamps indoors to keep the health momentum going. Furthermore, Boots and Beards also organise family walks which they have been doing since 2015 to get the whole family involved. For young people they also deliver The Duke of Edinburgh Award programme which they have been doing for the last few years. This organisation has something for everyone!

Bonnie Boots is very special to me as I’m able to get women like myself into the outdoor world and see what I see. Nature is for everyone, and it just takes one step to be on the path of adventure! In these uncertain times, it’s very important that we all look after our mental, physical and social state. What better way than by embracing nature!

Ammara Abid

Bonnie Boots Project Coordinator

To join a hike organised by Boots & Beards, visit their website or follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (Boots & Beards and Bonnie Boots)