Supporting diverse communities to access greenspaces and the countryside in the UK: the Chalkscapes Study.

Abstract
Background: People from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds and/or those from deprived backgrounds, women, the elderly and disabled are less engaged with nature and the landscape, less likely to access the outdoors and more likely to be physically inactive. The natural environment has the potential to improve physical and mental health, which in turn can lead to reduced mortality and savings in health costs if everyone had equal access. Exploring the barriers and co-creating solutions provides useful information for planners and local and national policy-makers.

Purpose: To explore the barriers and co-create solutions supporting diverse communities to use greenspaces and the countryside.

Methods: Qualitative focus groups with people from diverse backgrounds in an urban, deprived, ethnically diverse town in southeast England.

Results: The findings revealed a range of barriers from a lack of information and awareness of greenspaces and the countryside, lack of time, the availability and cost of transport, lack of facilities such as toilets, benches, restaurants, parking and facilities for people with disabilities, poor maintenance of facilities, safety issues and antisocial behaviour, racism and discrimination and fear of unleashed dogs. Discussion also highlighted the importance of creating awareness about greenspaces and the countryside through improved information and awareness.

Conclusions: This study has provided timely information planners and local and national policy-makers across the UK on the barriers to accessing greenspaces and the countryside experienced by diverse communities. The findings can be used to generate policy recommendations and co-create collaborative, targeted outreach interventions.

Practical conclusions: This study has identified the barriers and solutions for improving access to greenspaces and the countryside for diverse communities which can be used to develop intervention design. This will ensure that interventions are evidence-based and community-driven to ensure increased relevance and impact.

Funding: Chilterns Conservation Board (CCB)