Mohammed Dhalech

Personal statement:

I am a PhD researcher and practitioner working on race, rurality, heritage and environmental/social justice in Britain. My research examines how racially diverse histories are represented (or erased) in rural landscapes and heritage narratives, using walking methodologies, qualitative interviews, participatory engagement and policy/practice analysis. I work across academia, protected landscapes and community organisations on inclusion, governance, volunteering, access and belonging in nature.

• Senior Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) / Environmental and Social Justice (ESJ) practitioner (30+ years)
• Qualitative research and participatory engagement practitioner
• Governance, trustee and board leadership experience (public and voluntary sectors)
• Community engagement and inclusive facilitation
• Policy, partnership and organisational development experience
• Academic practitioner in race, rurality, heritage and environmental/social justice
• Practitioner in protected landscapes inclusion work

Collaboration opportunities:

I welcome collaborations that link research, policy, and practice on environmental and social justice, rural inclusion, heritage interpretation, and equitable access to nature. I am interested in co-produced research, evaluation, knowledge exchange, commissioned reports, training, advisory work, and public engagement projects with universities, protected landscapes, museums, communities, charities and public bodies.

I can contribute qualitative research design, facilitation, community partnerships, EDI/ESJ strategy, and practitioner insight. I am also open to media commentary, speaking engagements, and consultancy, provided there is a commitment to structural change and meaningful inclusion.

Publications:

Scott, J.L. and Dhalech, M. (forthcoming/2026), ‘Race, Nature, and Historical Memory: Walking Hadrian’s Wall’ – in Walking and Leisure Mobilities: Encounters and Critical Engagements (Routledge).

Dhalech, M. (2012) Rurality and the Big Society and BME Communities in The Big Society: The Good, the Bad & Unequal? (Just West Yorkshire, Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust, Joseph Rowntree Foundation and Oxfam)

Dhalech, M. (1999) Race Equality Initiatives in South West England in Rural Racism in the UK examples of Community Based Responses Ed Henderson P and Kaur R (Community Development Foundation).

Dhalech, M. (1999) Challenging Racism in the Rural Idyll National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux

Dhalech, M. (1999) Rural Race Equality in the SW in Multicultural Teaching.

Dhalech, M. and Thakker, N, (2007) BEN Countryside Scheme Overall analysis of Local Consultation in England.BEN.

Dhalech, M. (2007) BEN Rainbow Countryside Scheme Local Consultation finding. BEN.

Dhalech, M. and Pointing A (2007) Quality of Life experiences of migrant workers in Cumbria – Voluntary Action Cumbria

Dhalech, M. and Pointing A (2007) Mapping of Advice and Support Needs in Cumbria for Migrant Workers – Voluntary Action Cumbria