Avon Needs Trees Tackling Unequal Access to Nature
Case Study by Mark Funnell of Avon Needs Trees, working with Black2Nature
Photos Credit: Tom Le Fanu and VIcki Cracknell
The Project
When Bristol was the first city in the country to declare an ecological emergency in February 2020, it paved the way for a strategy that said: “Too often, the benefits of a healthy natural environment are not shared equally.… Everyone has a part to play in restoring a healthy natural environment and everyone should enjoy the benefits.”
The fast-growing woodland creation charity Avon Needs Trees shares these concerns, and has embedded environmental justice in its own strategy and activities. We create green spaces aimed at empowering marginalized communities. It’s not just that ethnic minorities are on average 11 times less likely to have access to green space compared to White British communities. It’s also that connecting with trees and woodland does uniquely amazing things for people and communities.
Highlights
Across the hundred or so of our supported events over the last few years, which include working with Black2Nature, community housing organisations, refugee groups and bereavement charities, I’d highlight one in particular – a young muslim women’s group.
Consultation with this group showed that the biggest barriers to accessing the countryside were transport, safety concerns and feeling unsure about where they can actually go. So we set objectives that included providing a supported experience of visiting and planting trees, with necessary resources – transport, food and refreshments, suitable clothing – and giving the women confidence to visit.
In Islam, planting a tree is seen as a continuous act of charity because it provides sustenance, such as fruit and shade, to people, animals, and birds for years to come, generating ongoing rewards.
The first visit to Great Avon Wood was in summer 2024, with the Alberseera mosque producing an eflyer and funding a lunch. A walk with a focus on local wildlife was followed by time spent under the 1000 year-old Publow Oak. The women shared reminders of the prophet that they had been asked to prepare in advance. Several were moved to tears as they spoke.
Feedback from the first visit included:
“I felt moved and emotional being around a group of supportive women in nature. Thank you for a wonderful day.”
“They explained everything regarding the woods in detail and kept us all informed but still engaged – personally I don’t think there was anything that could’ve topped the day/been better except us being there all day! It was a great experience and I would love to do it again!”
The second visit was in February 2025 when the group returned to plant trees. This time it was organised by a dynamic young woman who enthusiastically recruited 20+ women to come along. ANT provided transport again with a staff member meeting the women at the mosque and travelling on the minibus. A lunch was provided and the group were lent waterproofs and wellies. A shelter was provided for prayer. The day was staffed with an all female team.
“I truly loved how guided it was, from the moment we got there we were informed really well, and we were well provided for ,” said one woman …”down to the clothing and food, it was such a comfortable and joyful experience. The demonstration was really clear and helpful, and we were aided throughout which helped eased us into it and granted us confidence.”
The visits continue, last time with the group meeting in Bristol and a member of staff taking a public bus with them to help give them confidence that they can visit Great Avon Wood independently in the future.
Project Team
Mark Funnell is the Chair of Avon Needs Trees. He has specialised in environmental communications and campaigns for over 20 years. His previous roles include Communications and Campaigns Director at the National Trust, interim Director of Communications at Defra, Head of Communications at the Forestry Commission and Head of External Relations at the Environmental Agency. He also led transformation to a new operating model for Defra group’s 250 Communications staff, who came together from five different arm’s length bodies.
GET CONNECTED with Mark
Named for the river, Avon Needs Trees (ANT) is a registered charity creating new, permanent woodland at a landscape scale throughout the Bristol-Avon River catchment to tackle the climate and nature emergencies.
EXPLORE MORE about Avon needs tree
Founded by Dr Mya-Rose Craig (also known as Birdgirl), Black2Nature is dedicated to connecting *Visible Minority Ethnic children, young people, families and communities with nature.