In recent years, a remarkable movement has been gaining momentum, driven by a powerful goal: breaking down barriers, creating welcoming environments and promoting inclusivity in outdoor spaces. Enter Flock Together, a London based birdwatching group, taking the lead in changing how people of colour (POC) engage with nature. Initially a birdwatching collective, they have since evolved into a prominent platform encouraging inclusivity in the outdoors.
Armed with binoculars on a beautiful sunny day at Hackney Marshes, Flock Together took Peter Storm ambassador, Sean Fletcher, under their wing to share insights about their mission, values and some of their top birdwatching tips.
Check out our video on YouTube below for an inspiring journey through the world of Flock Together and their feathered companions.
The Story of Flock Together
Ollie Olanipekun and Nadeem Perera founded Flock Together amidst the Covid-19 lockdown and the global Black Lives Matter protests, brought together by their shared passion for birding. Recognising that the entire community was missing out on the benefits and experiences of nature, they decided to create a space for POC to challenge stereotypes and bring people together through birdwatching. They work to ensure that individuals are represented in outdoor spaces.
Launching mid-pandemic, Flock Together started with just 15 people on their first walk. Their gatherings now attract around 250 curious adventurers! Participants often arrive on their own but leave with new friendships. They experience a sense of representation and comfort thanks to the nurturing environment Flock has established through birdwatching.
Newcomers like Sean are greeted with warmth, smiles and hugs, demonstrating the supportive atmosphere and close-knit nature of the Flock community.
Regardless of your experience level, the Flock community welcomes all bird and outdoor enthusiasts with open wings. Through monthly walks for POC, Flock brings together a diverse community of experienced birders and enthusiastic first timers. These walks provide opportunities for socialising, companionship and allow individuals to foster a deeper connection with nature.
Outside of the monthly walks, Flock Together have events throughout the year where everyone is welcome. There's also the Flock Together Academy which focuses on bringing school kids into outdoor spaces to discover birding, nature and ecology, aided by the guidance of Flock Together mentors.
Taking root in London, Flock Together has since spread its wings to Toronto and New York! However, their growth doesn't stop here, as they have ambitions to open more chapters across the globe. This thriving community is fuelled by the shared love for birding and a collective passion for exploring nature.
The Six Pillars
To bird is to visit all the world without vision of borders.
This quote from Flock Together captures the essence of their mission. The Six Pillars of Flock Together are the foundations that underpin every action they take.
1. Building Community is all about bringing people together, supporting one another and fostering a sense of protection within the community.
2. Challenging Perceptions by tackling the preconceived notions that nature and the outdoors are exclusive to certain groups and ensuring that the benefits of nature are accessible and visible to all.
3. Showing the Benefits of Nature by highlighting the vast array of advantages that come from engaging with outdoor spaces. Nature serves as an endless source of inspiration, creativity and perspective.
4. Championing Ecological Protection remains a top priority for Flock as they strive to safeguard the environments that foster these connections with nature.
5. Offering Mental Health Support through the outdoors and community. The outdoors has the ability to ground individuals and provide a meditative escape from the complexities of daily life.
6. Providing Creative Mentorship for the Next Generation by maintaining an extensive database of members, enabling the passing on of experiences to inspire and guide the next generation.
Flock Together envisions a world where every person of colour can explore and engage with the natural world on their own terms.
The Benefits of Birdwatching
Flock members discussed the therapeutic benefits of the walks, highlighting how they provide respite from everyday sounds, especially for the neurodiverse. These gatherings make outdoor spaces accessible to people with disabilities, offering various ways to connect and enjoy the outdoors.
Birdwatching offers relief from the demands of daily life while developing social connections with kindred spirits who share an appreciation for birds and the natural world. Engaging in birding not only contributes to improved mental well-being, as it allows individuals to find solace in the serenity of the activity, but it also inspires people to get out and about.
It's also educational, enthusiasts can expand their knowledge about various bird species, their behaviours and migration patterns. It offers a way to observe the environment, inspiring individuals to become proactive in conservation and safeguarding these habitats.
How to Get Involved?
Flock Together organises monthly birdwatching walks for people of colour. Join the Flock and check out their Instagram for updates on their walks.
By championing inclusivity, providing safe and social opportunities and recognising the healing power of nature, Flock Together has created a community that embraces diversity and celebrates the benefits of engaging with the natural world. Their dedication and creative approach contribute towards a shift in the way POC engage with the outdoors, continually making outdoor spaces more accessible, inviting and enjoyable for all.
Flock Together are opening up green spaces for POC and rebuilding their relationship with nature – one walk at a time.
For more birdwatching info, check out our Birdwatching Basics Guide for everything you need to know to kickstart your own birdwatching journey!
