Smith

“but they'll come back, (it might take a) little time, but they'll come back and they'll give back to the community in the same way…”

Smith is an engineer, swimmer, runner, walk leader and founder the Black Tri Tribe, hosting Black Tri Tribe Triathlons in London and Brighton for people of colour.

Smith’s connection to the downs runs deep. She moved to Moulsecoomb in 2014, opposite Wild Park. Shortly after, she moved to Coldean village, which backed onto Hollingbury. From there she could get onto Ditchling Beacon very quickly - and onto the South Downs Way trail.

Her favourite part of the National Park is Seven Sisters, by the visitor centre in Exceat. She loves watching the estuary bends and hydrological process unfold - sea - estuary - river - river source, all taking place within her view. “Seeing geography, watching it take shape - is a phenomenal process - and to witness change - the landscape has changed in the short time I’ve been there…”

Over the years, Smith has lead walks throughout Sussex and in the South Downs for the Black Girls Hike community. She’s passionate about enabling others, especially people of colour, the opportunity to hike and to get outdoors.