now-a-bbc-star-is-wading-into-the-row-over-racism-in-the-countryside-to-ridicule-claims-it-is-a-colonial-space-for-whites-and-insist-it-is-for-everyone

Is the Countryside Just for White People? A BBC Star Says Absolutely Not—And I Agree

I’ve been thinking a lot about this recent debate that’s sparked across the UK—whether the countryside is a colonial space reserved for white people. When I first heard that, I was honestly surprised. As someone who loves long walks through rolling hills and quiet forest trails, I never thought nature had a race.

Now, a BBC star has stepped into the conversation, and I’m here for it. She’s challenging the narrative head-on, calling out the idea that rural spaces are off-limits or unwelcoming to ethnic minorities. And honestly, I find her stance refreshing. She’s not shouting or cancelling—she’s encouraging. She says, “The countryside is for everyone,” and I couldn’t agree more.

Let’s be real: racism does exist in rural areas, just like it can anywhere. But labeling the entire countryside as “colonial” feels extreme—and counterproductive. Instead of gatekeeping green spaces, shouldn’t we be opening the gates wider?

I know people of colour who’ve told me they’ve felt out of place in rural settings. That matters. But I’ve also seen communities evolve, local hiking groups becoming more diverse, and Black-owned farms gaining attention on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Things are changing—and that change is real.

We need more visibility, more inclusion, and yes, more honest conversations. But we also need to remind each other: you belong anywhere your heart finds peace. Whether that’s a city rooftop or a valley filled with wildflowers.

So if you’ve ever felt like the countryside “isn’t for you,” let me be the first to say: it is. It’s yours. It’s ours. Don’t let outdated views define your freedom to explore the world around you.

Let’s reclaim nature together.