Disability and nature: breaking barriers in outdoor adventure - Vol 6 Sneak Peek

An overview into the challenges faced by disabled people when trying to access the natural world.

Article by: Alice Weaver

Artwork by: Lara Pérez Dueña

Viridis Magazine has three core values, these are: integrity; community; and open-mindedness. Although their focus remains on caring for our planet’s biodiversity, it’s been acknowledged that without people nurturing these, and other values, the planet is even more at risk.

In 2023 the World Health Organisation revealed that, of a worldwide population of eight billion, people with disabilities make up 16 per cent or, one-in-six. Clearly, disability is far from uncommon. For example, in the UK alone it is estimated that there are 16 million disabled people, almost 25 per cent of our population.

Think back to the last nature reserve you visited. Did you see any holes in the path or areas that weren’t accessible? Were these areas only reachable via steps, or did the car park have any large potholes? Did you see many benches around the reserve? If there’s a visitor centre, does it have any hoists in the disabled toilets? Did it have a disabled toilet? Did you see anything potentially hazardous for service dogs, or anywhere those dogs could get a drink or shelter?

Now, consider how you got there. Did you go by car, did you travel on public transport, or did you walk? All these things are what people with various disabilities need to consider before making a trip anywhere; not the full extent, but a good snapshot.

I’m choosing to give away some of my private information and share my issues; I have cardiac complications, mental health problems, and mobility issues. When I’m going anywhere, I need to consider what mobility aid I need to use, whether there are rest areas, areas sheltered from the sun, and what the car park or transport to get there will be like. A car park can have plenty of space for disabled parking, but if the surface is covered in potholes or terrain unsuitable for wheeled aids, that is an additional barrier.

The benefits of human interaction with the natural world are clear. Many of us during COVID-19 felt better being in and around nature; social media feeds were full of photos of people on their daily walk and noticing things they wouldn’t normally have. Think back to that time, how did you feel when you went on your daily outing? If you didn’t go for a walk, what about how you felt spending time in a garden, or on a city balcony?

A review in 2019 examined nature-based recreation and its benefits to mental health. Of the 51 peer-reviewed articles analysed, they noted an improvement in 46. With these telling results, it begs the question of how we can justify natural areas remaining so difficult to access for those of us with disabilities.

Want to read more? To continue reading, and for full access to Volume 6: Into the Wild, shop Volume 6, available from 8 September. Click the link below to access our shop.