#Urbanstory / #Urbanearth the next chapter?

[Andy Knill]

In a brief chat with Dan today I came up with the idea of exploring in cities but on a more local scale. I teach pupils who often have a limited knowledge of the extent of their own borough.

So instead of walking across a city - reduce this to walk through / across a borough to a predetermined point which is geographically central or the place where the boroughs administration meets.

Involve people of all ages, invite groups from the community to participate. Possibly even a method of encouraging local community action to promote neighbourhood cohesion and a link to Geovation's challenge.

So what do you - the urban earth readers think?

[Andy Knill]

One tweet about piloting e.g. For E17 art trail in September 2012. I'd thought about Havering where I teach. Any other suggestions? Maybe mix in some mission exploring too.

[Daniel Raven-Ellison]

I am really up for this. The question is.. where?

[Andy Knill]

Ok let's start with the premise - we like the #Urbanstories / #Urbanearth approach. We want people to know and appreciate diversity within their own boroughs. To enable this we would like to lead / co-ordinate a number of walk events that bring a wider variety of individuals and groups out into their local communities.

Now clearly this can be linked in guiding and reporting back using OS data. Does it count as transforming neighbourhoods? Quite possibly.

An initial idea we establish a general principle; identify 2 or 3 test areas for 2012. . E17 tied into the art trail in September 2012; Havering because of my link as a teacher in the borough and possibly a post Olympics event?

Ok I find myself drawn to this idea and it's possibilities and of course engaging the aspect of play, outdoor spaces and mission explore draws in more interested groups, maybe even some archeologists ?????

[Paul Donohoe]

I like the sound of this. I once wrote an article called Be a tourist in your own town, based on the idea that many people never visit interesting or important sites in their own locale or have any idea how people live on the other side of their town or even street!

[Jennie Denton]

I'm considering something urban earth like whilst climbing........... Might have to wait until the weathers better though as I'm not sure an indoor climbing wall is as interesting as Cheddar Gorge, Cornwall, Devon or the Peak District!!!!

[Polly Thompson]

I will going on an urban walk-through, that the students have to plan, as part of my college course. I would be interested to know what kind of aspects of the area would be worth mentioning.  I always tend to point out the historical elements when I take friends and visitors from 'out of town' on a tour (This is the Suspension Bridge/ This is the Georgian house it was built in 1790 etc)  I don't want to sound like guide book and want to find somethings that are really different.  What sort of things do people point out when they go on urban walks?  (I'm in Bristol, if that helps!)