On a semi-regular basis I often hear from civil servants, local businesses and friends talk about how green Sheffield is as a city. It’s exceptionally visible when you climb one of the cities seven hills to seek a view or two. Whether you view the city from Crookes, Skye Edge or the Manor, tree cover from the cities various parks and countryside is hard to miss.
Some wise soul once deemed the place, “a mucky picture in a beautiful frame“. True, it’s real draws are in it’s green spaces and it’s closeness to the beauty of the Peaks but the city itself continues to slowly reinvent itself. There is much work being done to reintegrate wildlife corridors, to move away from fossil fuels and to embrace district heat for example. The city’s industry continues to switch from dependence on highly-carbon intensive industries to those that have the potential for a much lower carbon future. The basis is there for a truly green city, it just needs continued political will. I look forward to exploring some of these aspects in more detail over time.
Despite not truly being a local, – I grew up on the flat banks of the Swale in a small town – I make no excuse of using this fine city as the basis for a good few posts along the way where it is relevant and it inspires. I’m sure even Sittingbourne may warrant a reference or two along the way.
On Sunday, the Tour de France will roll into town as it Stage 2 draws to a close. Hopefully the event will continue to encourage more out onto their bikes and to explore the city and to see it in a completely different way. Likewise, I hope the atmosphere inspires me.
Welcome aboard.
underonesky 