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| Edward Mayer - plea for imagination and quality |
This wacky but tongue-in cheek proposal was sounded by Edward Mayer in a typically robust and bubbly presentation to an audience at Birdfair.
His array of slides of townscapes in various parts of the UK illustrated the unimaginative mindset of contemporary architects, developers and planners.
Many of our towns are so drab or even brutalised that is it any wonder that its residents and visitors become depressed, demoralised and, in some cases, almost dehumanised?
"So often we have got it wrong," he declared. "Many of our towns lack trees or shrubs. They are ugly and depressing.
"It's a tragedy and provides a backdrop for crime, poor health and social dislocation."
Edward went on to compare the situation here with places on the continent - for instance Basle, Vienna and Cologne - where building-dominated settings have been refreshingly beautified and made bird-friendly, thanks to thoughtful planting of shrubs, trees and grasses.
However, he did identify one bright spot - Harleston in the Waveney Valley on the Norfolk-Sufolk border - where a coming-together of the community has created a 'swift town'.
To celebrate the summer presence of the birds, special flags are flown from the buildings, and residents get together with creative woodwork, silk-screening and paper projects.
In the primary school, the migration route of the species is studied - a valuable aide to Geography lessons.
Meanwhile, visitors come from far and wide to see what's happening when this delightful market town stages its annual Swift Week.
"The birds are at the heart of a town revival scheme," enthused Edward. "They are an economic driver."
The concluded by urging other cities, town and villages to launch similar initiatives and to demand biodiversity features.
"But it's got to be quality," he insisted.
*More reports from Birdfair to follow
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