For those with a good memory, June was sunny. Over battlefield the flowers bloomed and the bees buzzed to good effect. Then July cam along and while southern Europe and even 'the south' grew hotter, grey skies and much rain was the order of the day. Global warming seemed a cruel rumour. Warm clothing was dug out of cupboards.
It might seem an academic past time to read about coming fears of extreme weather when the Summer in the north lived up to recent, damp, history. But the likelihood is that the seasons will change for all in time. Choosing the Precautionary Principle (if bad can happen it will happen) some thinkers are urging more green space in our cities across the world. Shade from trees works, areas of plantings or grasses help dissipate heat – further – they make being outside a more pleasant experience than heated concrete and tar mac.
We must think about adapting with the added plus that this expands that gain from the recent Covid 19 quarantine periods, when so many discovered the psychological support that comes from public open spaces and our city parks and gardens warding against feelings of isolation and disjunction. More would be no bad thing. Cities are going to have to change.
Here is a portfolio (off site link) of the seasonal offering from the Battlefield (a.k.a. City Stadium) including, as a finale, the regrown cherry trees, cut back wantonly along Portland Road; spot them amongst the huge buddleia!
