By Andrew K Palmer, Mark Riley, Beth FT Brockett, Laurence Jones, Sarah Clement, and Karl L Evans

Figure 1. Diary photo contributed by BK

This Plain Language Summary is published in advance of the paper discussed. Please check back soon for a link to the full paper.

Green spaces provide vital wellbeing benefits, yet UK ethnic minority groups visit these spaces less frequently than other UK residents. Our research in Bristol reveals how ethnic minority communities actively incorporate nature into their daily lives for psychological restoration

Using interviews and diaries, we created ‘composite narratives’ – carefully crafted short stories that combine participants’ experiences while protecting their privacy. These narratives show how people engage with greenspaces within their daily routines despite of various constraints. We discovered that participants deliberately seek out nature as a conscious wellbeing strategy rather than just casual recreation. They create moments for relaxation between work commitments, look for affordable and friendly spaces for families, and enjoy social experiences in various natural settings. Several participants showed preferences for natural landscapes including blue spaces (featuring water), woodland areas, and family-oriented parks.

While participants face various constraints – some universal, others related to their ethnicity – these don’t simply override positive experiences. Constraints might include transport difficulties, financial concerns, or feeling unwelcome due to encounters with dogs or other people’s attitudes. These experiences evolve across different time through from daily fluctuations to intergenerational changes. Our research emphasises the importance of enhancing access to quality greenspaces for those ‘who need it most’—particularly ethnic minority communities in densely populated, low-income urban areas. By creating safe, welcoming spaces that accommodate diverse needs, we can develop approaches that enhance wellbeing and reduce inequality.