While Scotland has incredible green space and access rights, many people still feel that the outdoors is not for them. 

Our Community Outreach project works with refugees, asylum seekers and people from Global Majority communities to help them build confidence, gain practical skills and help people feel welcome in the outdoors.  

"Many refugees I work with fear being where they’re not allowed to be. It can be hard for them to feel as if they belong. But the outdoors is a space for everybody." (Angela James, Equity Outreach Officer, Ramblers Scotland)

If you’re part of a community group or organisation supporting people from Global Majority communities, we’d love to explore working together. Email scotland@ramblers.org.uk to start the conversation.
 

 

Building confidence with introductory walks

In the first stage of the project, we work with community organisations and local leaders to create introductory walks that help people explore their new environment in a safe and welcoming way. 

Since 2023, we’ve teamed up with a wide range of community groups, including SCORE Scotland, a national charity promoting racial equality, and The Welcoming, which supports refugees and migrants in Edinburgh.  

"It’s been so good to be out and feel part of nature, and to see the difference it has made for the ladies in our group, and to know that I helped make that happen.” (Introductory walks participant). 

Together with our partners, we have:

• Created walks along local routes that are on people’s doorsteps.
• Shaped our work around what communities want to learn about the outdoors.
• Built confidence through simple navigation, safety and route-planning skills. 

Through this work, people start building the confidence to head out on their own and enjoy all the benefits walking brings. 

 

Taking the next step with our Community Champion scheme

We also support aspiring community leaders to develop confidence, skills and qualifications to lead safe and inspiring walks for their own communities.

“I was inspired to join the Community Champions scheme because we all face some difficulties and some challenges in our lives and it’s easy to get stuck in those difficulties, and I believe leading group walks is a wonderful way to help people connect with the nature and improve their wellbeing." (Jumana, Community Champion)
 

On completion of our Community Champion scheme, participants have the opportunity to apply for our Community Trainee Traineeship. The traineeship provides paid work experience to support career progression into the environmental and community sectors, helping to diversifying the outdoor workforce.  

Together, our Community Champions and Community Outreach Traineeships help sustain walking activity within communities for the long term. 

 

How you can get involved

We can tailor our support to fit with what your community needs to get walking. That might include:

• A tailored introductory walking programme.
• In-person training with a member of our staff.
• Training your community's next walk leaders.
• Creating sustainable ways to help your community continue walking. 

Through Community Outreach, more refugees, asylum seekers and Global Majority can connect with the outdoors, meet new people and build confidence. 

Most importantly, we want people to feel welcome in the outdoors and inspired to keep walking. 

Interested in bringing walking to your community? Email scotland@ramblers.org.uk