The global village.

I like most people in the U.K live in a densely populated urban space, my main escape from this concrete jungle is the green space we have in cities, for years it's been a retreat for me, and they are increasingly valuable spaces as cities expand. Now they are also seen as wildlife corridors and havens for all kinds of species. Having studied permaculture and horticulture I am convinced the one thing the council should invest in is improving biodiversity. Schemes like tree planting and reforestation should become priorities local residents deserve a nice place to live, people of all ages and types, genders and ethnicities are reflected in the cities makeup, there's just not enough amenities at the moment. What we are witnessing is the decline of socialist morality, and communities are feeling the pinch. Wherever you look it seems that in the words of Bob Dylan 'something else has just hit the ground' as post offices close and rubbish is not collected, streets are neglected and local businesses are being outcompeted by supermarkets, local resorts are empty hotels are used to house asylum seekers. There's only so much this ecosystem can withstand, we should embrace the green lifestyle and breath new life into our cities.

Car culture is dominant and seen as a good thing but it can be pernicious, it's also very unsustainable. We as a people seem quite willing to sacrifice almost anything at the altar of convenience, there are failing schools, overcrowded prisons and poor health services. If we can reverse the decline of cities we can finally upgrade the Victorian infrastructure as well that is still in use and never really designed with the C21 in mind!

People talk a lot about green issues and we need more debate, we're lagging far behind many other nations and it's a concern for many, it's not just the case of growing the economy it's also expanding our consciousness and providing a better future for the next generation. HS2 was an unmitigated disaster but we do need better trains and buses, we should look to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and find alternatives, such as cutting the daily commute, reducing food miles and growing more fruit and veg, rewilding is also very laudable. Unfortunately the failure of HS2 has not stopped this government from embarking on their very own transport white elephant: the expansion of Heathrow airport.

All this rhetoric begs the question what do we do to prevent anymore damage to our beloved society? It starts with your community. So long as there are strong communities then our values will be upheld, never spread distrust or xenophobia because they are never the solution, for the working people or the country are drawn from many lands and experiences, which reflect the diversity required in our developed economy, which the government is so proud of. Wherever you find community you see vibrancy and life, it's also the local amenities which bind society together. The loss of the local post office and other things such as buses and free education will have a severe knock on effect that resonates throughout the country. Amid all the bluster and jargon, spoken about the environment are many good people just trying to do their best to restore the equilibrium and give humanity a chance, give caring a chance that is. Which in the light of recent events can extend to all peoples and lifeforms, wouldn't that be a cause for celebration? A way forward for us in a very confusing epoch, life is what we want it to be.

I will keep thinking of ways to expand my universe and embrace the otherness of this society a place so alien and hostile that none can endure it. It's become that way sadly after years of conflicts and battles and many a false dawn. It's by emphasizing our right to be different and strong together that we can overcome the very real threats we face, which seem to come from all areas, but especially the regional ones, and also to keep doing what we do best, ad that's look after each other, it's the basis of a manifesto for a more caring society where every individual matters and it can't come too soon.