Representation by Dr Daniel Michael James Harwood
- Date submitted
- 18 March 2021
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
The UK needs to re- think its direction. We are a divided country with huge areas of social deprivation and inequality. England is one of the richest countries in the world, yet poor physical and mental health are the norm for many. Lockdown has seen many people seek comfort peace and connection in ways which are more meaningful than spending money you haven't got on transient pleasures such as theme parks and junk food. Many- like me- have recently joined the ranks of the plant and wildlife charities and started to engage in volunteer and survey walk. Places like Swanscombe Marshes give peace improve mental and physical health and build connections between people and a love of the natural world. Once you have destroyed a mosaic of habitats like Swanscombe it is gone for ever. But as importantly, I do not not want the marshes to be destroyed because I love spiders, wasps, beetles birds and plants - I care for these non-humans as much as I care for humans. We do not have the right to destroy endangered species like the distinguished jumping spider. Middle class architects and planners and developers might smirk and giggle about people caring for rare spiders. But perhaps right now this country is a little bit tired of middle-aged men in hard hats and bad suits telling us what we should care for.