The Archive

 Together with what I hope are 'interested parties' I am exploring possible future-proofing for the site I called 'Battlefield' due to an accumulation of threats to 'develop' the site. 

In order to progress the argument that the City Stadium, to give this green space its official title, should have stutory protection as green space and no longer just a place awaiting smart people to turn into a profit centre of some kind, I am going to post photographs taken over time to show how much this precious urban lung has grown and re-shaped entirely naturally.

A former photographic library I used has become too expensive to justify the outlay; I intend instead to re-publish a few images from time to time as part of 'the Archive'. This, I hope, will serve a purpose beyond nostalgia.

The 'main drag' connecting Portland Road to the Heaton district taken in 2007. 

This is before the cycle path that, despite my strong misgivings at the time, has proved a very interesting addition. Trees were felled, but the wild flower 'divider' between the cyclists and pedestrians has been a real gain in wildlife terms.

The path down to Stepney Bank 2007.

To be continued.

Transformers Part 2

 More on the wild flower 'meadows' gracing the 'Battlefield'.

What a stunning display!

Transformers

The flowerbeds created by Wild Intrigue have made a considerable difference to the City Stadium site, more so than most parks that are wedded to traditional ideas. 

Is it time for City Stadium to become a new 'park' – Lower Ouseburn Park? The status of the green space is uncertain. One wll informed  opinion I received long ago suggested it had no formal designation, hence plans to tarmac it for car parking were being advanced. That was then. Now, a whole raft of forces and actions make this 'nowhere' position unacceptable. Green Space is at a premium in all cities. In a period of global warming and subsequent impacts on our lives, preserving places such as the City Stadium are no luxury but a necessity for quality of life.

To be continued.