A guidebook aimed at enhancing diversity and inclusivity in land-based education has been launched thanks to an alliance between Hartpury University, Landex educational institutions and the British Ethnic Riders Federation (BERF).

It is hoped that the collaboration, which is known at the BLOC (BERF Landex Outreach Collaboration) project, will ensure fair access and parity of experience for diverse student populations by outlining outreach activities and events on offer across many UK education institutions.

The guidebook will facilitate access to more rural campuses, eliminate obstacles to participation and ensure individuals from all backgrounds have access to higher education. It also encourages students, teachers and community members to support the project.

Subject taster days, campus tours, career pathway workshops, open days and equine events will also be available with the aim of engaging with prospective students and providing them with insights into what’s available at the member universities.

‘Historically, participation…has been predominantly white’

“Historically, participation in subjects including agriculture, animal, and equine sciences has been predominantly white, largely due to perceptions of applicants from the global majority. This project has sought to address some of those perceptions by inviting community groups onto rural campuses to provide tailor-made experiences that go some way to address the myths surrounding study and career opportunities in these areas of study,” said Linda Greening, head of inclusivity at Hartpury University.

“We hope the activities that are run because of the BLOC guide will help to raise young people’s awareness of and interest in land-based studies, with the British Ethnic Riders Federation there specifically supporting those who choose to participate in equestrianism,” added Linda.

The British Ethnic Riders Federation is a Community Interest Company which was created in 2020 to support, encourage, inspire, educate and progress members of ethnically diverse communities.

The Royal Agricultural University, Harper Adams University, Nottingham Trent University, University Centre Reaseheath, University Centre Bishop Burton, University Centre Myerscough, University Centre Sparsholt, Kingston Maurward College. Derby College, and Hartpury University all contributed to the guidebook.

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