Exploring the role of ethnicity and culture in shaping greenspace practices: A qualitative study from Bristol, UK

Abstract

Greenspaces provide multiple wellbeing and social benefits, yet ethnic minorities often have restricted engagement with these spaces which reinforces health inequalities. Addressing these requires a detailed understanding of the diversity of ethnic minorities’ perceptions, preferences, and practices relating to greenspaces. Through thematic analysis of interview and diary transcripts from 53 people from multiple ethnic minority groups in Bristol, UK, we identify various ways in which ethnicity and culture influence engagement with greenspaces. We find that cultural background and childhood experiences are particularly important in shaping attitudes towards greenspaces; transnational perspectives originating from cultural heritage and familial history influence how people perceive and adapt to UK greenspace conditions; and cultural considerations, perceived exclusion, and gender combine with intersectional identities to mediate experiences and engagement patterns. We draw from a novel integration of theoretical work on affordances with practices to theorise and synthesise these findings, contributing to understanding how cultural and social factors shape greenspace use. Our findings suggest that structured access initiatives, such as peer-led walking groups, and physical environment modifications, including zoning and washing facilities, can enhance the cultural inclusivity of greenspaces while addressing systemic barriers to engagement. These insights offer practical guidance for urban planners and greenspace managers seeking to create more equitable and inclusive spaces that reflect and serve increasingly diverse communities.