Showcasing London Undergrowth: Tim Dudas’ learning journey

Tim’s learning question:

How might we enable and activate barrier free public outdoor space?

My experience:

The last few months have created wonderful opportunities to get to know the challenges and people of my local area. It was a pleasure to explore the concepts of Doughnut Economics with such a great group of humans. I couldn’t wait to see what workshop my fellow cohort members had put together and what insights they would share. These early sessions challenged preconceptions of what I thought I already knew and demonstrated the joy of learning something new.

A few of my favourite moments:

1. The final dinner at the launch weekend in Birmingham
2. Being guided to write a manifesto for my learning journey
3. An immersive nature exploration — Queens Wood is an oasis
4. Presenting Donut Economics at a community workshop
5. Running a stall at a community event on a local estate

A project I’m working on:

Across the UK there are thousands of disused outdoor spaces. Yet, thoughtfully designed outdoor space is a key element of what local communities need to thrive. We need many more of these spaces and we need them in a variety of shapes and sizes.

My project, Keep up, is aims to help restore and maintain forgotten spaces into recreational gardens co-create with, and for, local communities.

The key challenges I’ve recently uncovered is the lack of awareness local residents have about the potential of spaces as well as the lack of maintenance that goes into their upkeep. The concept I’m developing is proposing a digital platform to help connect residents with local urban spaces. The platform would highlight the network of spaces around, welcoming residents to engage and inviting brands to sponsor spaces as a way to support the ongoing maintenance.

Introducing neighbours to the possibilities of local underused spaces (amongst a community BBQ, improve workshops, and a cover band blaring classics) — 16th July 2022

Create your own garden activity. Participants were invited to respond to three questions using prepared prompts and bespoke input. What would you like to see in your local green space? What or who do you think can make that happen? And finally, how would you feel if this space existed? — 16th July 2022

The chapters of Doughnut Economics that felt most relevant to my learning question:

• Chapter 5: Design to Distribute
• Chapter 6: Create to Regenerate

Three things I learned:

1. Slow down and focus on local challenges. Complicated issues can feel overwhelming — thinking locally instead of globally can help make a start.
2. Share what you can. Reflect on what’s more valuable than money and explore ways to share it.
3. Just because people don’t seem to care about an issue, doesn’t mean it’s not important to them. It can be difficult to care about what we don’t know. That’s where inspiration and demonstration come in.

A question I’m leaving with:

How might we connect neighbours to the nature down the street?

Get in touch with Tim:

www.keepup.org.uk
@mitsadud
LinkedIn