The UK countryside is often imagined as a place of escape—rolling hills, coastal seascapes, rugged mountains, or a stroll through a National Trust property. It is seen as somewhere to leave behind everyday pressures—and perhaps even to avoid difficult conversations about racism and prejudice. But is that really the case?
In this session, which is Part 4 of our series on Hidden Racism – racism that rarely makes the headlines, we will ask:
Is the countryside a welcoming place for everyone?
And if not, what can be done about it?
We are delighted to welcome Professor Corinne Fowler, Co-Investigator of the Rural Racism Project and author of the acclaimed books The Countryside: Ten Rural Walks Through Britain and Its Hidden History of Empire and Green Unpleasant Land: Creative Responses to Rural England’s Colonial Connections. Dr Fowler’s groundbreaking work uncovers the ways Britain’s rural landscapes are entangled with empire, inequality, and exclusion—and what that means for our understanding of racism today.
Dr Fowler will share insights from the Rural Racism Project and her wider research in a 30–40 minute talk, followed by a Q&A and facilitated discussion, creating space for reflection and dialogue on these urgent issues.
All are welcome at White Allies Network meetings—whether you are an aspiring white ally learning to confront racism or a person of colour who is willing to walk alongside us in that journey.
