My posts on this blog continue to decline. As I explained, I'm old and besides, the panic over what our belovéd Council planned for the City Stadium (a.k.a. Battlefield) has faded without ever vanishing from view.
It seems a long time ago when the green space was to be covered with tarmac and used to park 1300 cars (!) next to a blander than bland set of office blocks. Or the time I was told by P.R. consultants for a following development that the woodland edge of the Stadium was 'threatening'.
Not only have offices as a means to rescue the local economy hit serious problems (and now, A.I. ...) the increasing public demand to have green space properly protected has greatly changed outlooks, if not convincingly, policy.
So, as the pressure on these precious spaces has (for now; who knows what lies ahead!?) decreased, the Stadium and Lower Ouseburn area has thrived. Trees are maturing, wildlife sightings and consequent public engagement has developed alongside at pace.
Below, some recent images taken on a walk to the orchard by Byker Farm, past the Portland Road site of a promised Lidl's store, and into the woodland leading under the 'bridges' to the orchard. Despite the unpromising prospect of attempting to grow fruit tees (or anything) in such poor soils, the trees are still there and still growing. I waited for sunshine but none came, alas.
Water company contractor's doing 'something' at the entrance (blocked) to the Ouseburn River tunnel
