Chris Martin, CEQ CEA Cities Co-Clerk, highlights Birmingham City Council’s current consultation on its Our Future – Green Infrastructure in the ‘Our Future City Plan’. 

CEQ Climate Emergency Action (CEQ CEA) commends the video below  to Friends and encourages Friends to comment on the plans. 

One aspect, though, that concerns Chris Martin, is the video’s emphasis on the city centre and the ‘top down’ approach being taken.  There is very unequal access to green spaces across the cities and this should concern us as Quakers. 

Toqueer Quyyam is about to undertake a project to obtain ‘earth stories’ from 25 Sparkhill & Sparkbrook residents and their views on local green spaces.  Toqueer’s comments on the Council video, from his perspective as a Sparkhill resident are: “What’s important in the Hall Green ward is also safer streets, with better street lighting along the River Cole and enhanced green spaces for local community activities too.”

We are aware of the Birmingham-centric nature of this activity, and would welcome news on climate action from other parts of our Area Meeting: website@centralenglandquakers.org.uk