Accessible Outdoors Month in the UK is in its second year, after last year’s success. This July, it aims to be bigger still. Run by Every Body Moves, it will be about capturing the way which people exercise in a way which works for them. Hopefully it will be a source of inspiration and encouragement.

Why is Accessibility so Important?

The accessibility of the outdoors is something which can easily come to be taken for granted by many of us. For disabled people in particular though, the experience is quite different. According to the Activity Alliance’s Annual Disability Activity Survey Report 2023-24, this is a serious situation to be sure.

Whilst 78% of non-disabled people surveyed for that report advised that they could easily access parks, greens, woodlands etc., that figure drops to a mere 44%.

Considering that more than half of disabled people in the UK are unable to access green spaces, it’s clear that there is a problem. Particularly since improving access to green spaces was, on that same report, shown as a priority for health and general wellbeing to disabled people. One third of disabled people surveyed by the Activity Alliance identified better access to outdoor spaces as a key action which they were wanting government to take. In rural areas, the responses were even more stark. Fully one half of all disabled respondents identified better access to outdoor spaces as a key step which they wanted the government to take on their behalf.

Considering that those spaces are already there, so it is simply a question of access, this should be a relatively straightforward thing for the government to act upon.

What to Expect from Accessible Outdoors Month 2025?

Well, as mentioned, Accessible Outdoors Month runs from 1 July to 31 July 2025 across the UK. One of the focal points this year will be getting active in nature. This is in direct response to the serious issues flagged by disabled Britons about lack of access to green spaces of all kinds.

Here’s some inspiration on how you can get involved this month:

1. Follow @EveryBodyMoves on your socials for weekly spotlight stories on disabled people being active outdoor
2. Share local events in your area that promote disability sport, inclusive outdoor activity, or accessible movement
3. Tag @EveryBodyMoves and use the hashtag #AccessibleOutdoors when posting your photos of being active in nature — the organisers will feature some of their favourites throughout July.

Get out there and get active – and don’t forget to take some photos