A vision for Denmead

11 year old Katie’s Vision for Denmead - as spoken at our public meeting in October 2023

I want to live in Denmead when I grow up. But not the Denmead we have today.

I want to live in a Denmead where birdsong is louder than traffic, and flowers are more abundant than concrete. Everywhere you look, vibrant and colourful petals open, softening the edges of our village with their beauty.

In this vision, our neighbours aren't just people who live next door; they are friends who support one another in everything they do, like a kind of family. We come together as a community to improve our surroundings instead of dwelling on complaints.

Children are constantly spilling out into the quiet streets, playing outdoor games without a care in the world. Their laughter and giggles echo through the peaceful neighbourhoods as their parents get around on bikes, and in electric buses or cars, to prevent the excess carbon from filling the air. Remember, engines off so we don’t cough!

We source delicious food from local farms brimming with diversity, not from far-off places that harm the environment. Community gardens share healthy, organic food with those who need it, for free, while creating opportunities for friendships across generations.

Think about it. An abundance of fruit trees thrives in lush, healthy gardens, their roots undisturbed by frequent mowing. They stand tall, proud, and protected, providing much needed shade for wildlife on a hot day.

In this vision, we cherish unwanted items, finding them new homes, and learning to fix things when they get broken at the repair cafe. Every possible item is recycled, and it's part of our day-to-day life.

Our local businesses flourish in a circular, regenerative economy, that's celebrated, and promoted with regular green market days.

In this possible possibility of Denmead's future, we hold nature and its incredible biodiversity in the highest regard. From the tiniest worm, to the ancient trees that live and thrive here in Denmead, we appreciate nature for everything it provides: beauty, flood prevention, clean air, a carbon sink, and a sense of peace.

So, as I grow up, I hope this picture of Denmead becomes the reality, not just for us, but for the whole planet, and future generations, including my children.

Perhaps your vision is different to Katie's. That's OK. But hopefully now you're as excited as we are about the Greening Campaign and what we might achieve.