Brown is the new green...

Day 143 #365DaysWild

A clear autumn day - ideal for a family walk through historic Nottingham. We took a detour by the nearly-derelict Broadmarsh Centre which had been in limbo for some years.

The former shopping mall was in the process of being demolished when the development company went bankrupt. And then Nottingham City Council hit financial difficulties itself. Leaving a semi-derelict building at the gateway to the city.

I was delighted when Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust led public opinion in pushing for a green, more nature-friendly solution to the challenges that the Broad Marsh Centre faced. Nature has amazing powers to recover as can be seen in many brownfield sites and we should recognise and celebrate this.

The Broad Marsh Centre November 2023

Projects such as the Broadmarsh redevelopment and Down to Earth Derby (and their wider plans for a wilder, more connected urban area) can provide a template for regeneration with nature at its centre. 

In May 2024, the first East Midlands Mayor will be elected. I will use what small influence I have to draw these threads together and look at more ambitious levels of investment. 

People take note when cities look to do something different and innovative.

Nottingham and Derby could achieve something special for people and nature.