What better way to celebrate International Women’s Day than getting outside and spending time with other Black women?
On Sunday 8th March, Black Girls Hike teamed up with the Epping Forest Heritage Trust for a special hike and, for the first time ever, a BGH social.
We met at the Epping Forest Visitor Centre in Chingford before setting off on a gentle 5–6 km circular walk through the forest. Rhiane led the walk alongside the Epping Forest Heritage Trust team, sharing stories about the landscape and its history as we explored.
Epping Forest spans more than 6,000 acres of ancient woodland and is home to some remarkable oak and beech trees, many of which have been pollarded since medieval times. Along the route, we learned more about how people have shaped and cared for the forest over generations, and why protecting these spaces matters.
But the day wasn’t just about the walk.
Once we returned to the Visitor Centre, we gathered for our very first Black Girls Hike social. It was a chance to slow down, grab some food and spend time getting to know each other away from the trail.
We were treated to delicious food catered by Chef Lauren Wilz, alongside a fun icebreaker that got everyone chatting. It was also an opportunity to meet Rhiane, learn more about Black Girls Hike and connect with women who were joining the community for the first time.
There was something really special about seeing the BGH community come together in this way. Hiking will always be at the heart of what we do, but creating spaces where Black women can meet, build friendships and feel a sense of belonging is just as important.
The event was delivered in partnership with the Epping Forest Heritage Trust as part of the Epping Forest Heritage for All project, made possible through funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. We’re proud to support a project that encourages people from all backgrounds to connect with, care for and celebrate this incredible landscape.
For our first BGH social, it felt like a lovely beginning. We’ll definitely be making more time for this kind of connection alongside our hikes.