Environmental advocate dr. Mya-rose craig celebrates 10 years of breaking down barriers to nature access through black2nature

Dr. Mya-Rose Craig, the renowned young environmentalist known as “Birdgirl,” is marking a significant milestone as her groundbreaking organization Black2Nature celebrates its 10th anniversary. The Bristol-based conservationist, who has dedicated the past decade to making nature more accessible to underrepresented communities, continues to champion the cause of environmental inclusion across the UK.

Black2Nature, founded when Craig was just 14 years old, has worked tirelessly to address the stark underrepresentation of ethnic minorities in environmental spaces. The organization runs nature camps and outdoor experiences specifically designed for young people from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic backgrounds, helping to bridge the gap between diverse communities and the natural world. Through these initiatives, hundreds of young people have gained access to experiences in nature that might otherwise have been beyond their reach.

As she reflects on this decade-long journey, Dr. Craig is amplifying her call for systemic change to ensure wider access to nature across the UK. Her advocacy extends beyond individual programs to address the structural barriers that prevent many communities from engaging with environmental conservation and outdoor recreation. The timing of this anniversary is particularly significant as environmental organizations increasingly recognize the importance of diversity and inclusion in building effective responses to climate change and biodiversity loss.

Dr. Craig’s work demonstrates that environmental activism must be intersectional, addressing both ecological challenges and social justice issues to create meaningful, lasting change for all communities.