Fury as black women hiking in UK countryside hit with 'racist and intimidating behaviour'
Black Girls Hike members have been met with an outpouring of love and support after calling out a racist incident which is claimed to have happened at a farm
A prominent UK outdoor group has revealed its members were subjected to racist and "intimidating behaviour" during a visit to a popular British lavender farm. In a post on social media, which amassed comments of shock and support, the Black Girls Hike group said they experienced such behaviour from individuals at Castle Lavender Farm, in Sevenoaks, Kent.
Posting to Instagram, Black Girls Hike said in a statement: “On 23rd March 2025, members of our community were subject to intimidating behaviour and racist language while visiting Castle Lavender Farm.” The social media group also said they were offering ongoing support to the women affected by the “distressing and unacceptable behaviour”.
Closing the post, they thanked the other visitors who stood up for them and said their courage was “truly appreciated”. They continued: “As an organisation, we remain dedicated to taking up space in the outdoors and ensuring it’s safe and welcoming for all.”
They confirmed that the incident has been reported to the police and Castle Lavender Farm is cooperating fully. A spokesperson from Castle Lavender Farm told The Mirror: "On Saturday afternoon at 12:25pm the team at the Castle Farm Shop, were informed of an incident which took place between two customers visiting the farm. We recorded all relevant information and have fully cooperated with the police.
"We are saddened to hear of this incident taking place between two customers on the property. On Castle Farm we welcome visitors to enjoy our farm shop and Lavender field events, and are always working to ensure the farm is a safe and enjoyable place for all visitors."
The Instagram post by Black Girls Hike has been met with overwhelming support from commenters, with one adding: “This makes me so angry! This kind of behaviour is unacceptable. The outdoors is for EVERYONE. Sending love,” one wrote. Another added: “Every time, I feel like I want to give up the anti-racism work I’m doing, I see a post like this and realise this work is still important. I’m so sorry your group had this experience.”
Other commenters pointed out that they were glad other visitors came to their defence: "Really heartwarming to hear some visitors stood up for you!" A fourth user added: "That is totally unacceptable, glad people spoke up and something is being done about it and not brushed off!! Sending love to you, too right - the outdoors is for EVERYONE".
Black Girls Hike was set up in 2019 by Rhiane Fatinikun, a broadcaster and author whose aim was to make Britain’s countryside more inclusive. With over 21k followers, it is currently Europe’s largest outdoor group for Black women and girls, and has been featured in publications like The New York Times. The hiking group operates nationwide and empowers women of colour to explore Britain’s greatest outdoor attractions.
In an interview with The Great Outdoors in 2020, Rhiane revealed that a huge part of her motivation was to give Black women the confidence to connect with the outdoors. She said: “It’s about empowering women to have the confidence to try things outside their comfort zone. When you think of a typical rambler you think white and middle aged. It’s not a pastime black people tend to be associated with and that can put people off.”
According to a recent review, a disproportionate amount of ethnic minority groups in Britain are concentrated in cities, which places them further away from natural green spaces. For example, 58% of the UK’s Black population reside in London alone.
As a result, the British countryside is still viewed by some as synonymous with whiteness. However, Corinne Fowler, a professor of colonialism and heritage at the University of Leicester, has emphasised how this is historically untrue. Speaking to the New York Times, Corinne pointed out the people of colour have always been a feature of the UK’s rural areas. But this has been forgotten due to the narratives people choose to focus on.
Black Girls Hike have been subject to racism in the past. In 2021, the hiking group was featured on the BBC series Countryfile. The broadcasting company subsequently had to hit back at racist complaints from viewers who complained that the show was focusing on Black women.