Julia Thrift
@juliathrift.bsky.social
People, places, public health, policy... director of healthier place-making @theTCPA.bsky.social; trustee @TreesForCities.bsky.social
Lives in south London, interested in the world...
My own views, sometimes here: https://authory.com/juliathrift
Lives in south London, interested in the world...
My own views, sometimes here: https://authory.com/juliathrift
Reposted by Julia Thrift
'Danish startup creates the world’s first cultivated outdoor paver – a natural alternative to cement' (Tip top) www.visibuilt.com/danish-start...
Danish startup creates the world’s first cultivated outdoor paver - a natural alternative to cement - Visibuilt
Cement is used to make concrete, which is among the most carbon-intensive building materials known today. Now, the traditional binder faces new competition. The Danish startup Visibuilt has developed ...
www.visibuilt.com
January 16, 2026 at 7:51 AM
'Danish startup creates the world’s first cultivated outdoor paver – a natural alternative to cement' (Tip top) www.visibuilt.com/danish-start...
Reposted by Julia Thrift
The DfT is doing some consultation on the new Manual for Streets with professional bodies and others (I don't know the full list). As I understand it, there will be three sections and section A was released just before Xmas with a response deadline just after.
January 14, 2026 at 6:48 AM
The DfT is doing some consultation on the new Manual for Streets with professional bodies and others (I don't know the full list). As I understand it, there will be three sections and section A was released just before Xmas with a response deadline just after.
Reposted by Julia Thrift
Before Christmas the Baroness Amos report into maternity and neonatal care was pretty horrific reading. Women not being listened to, mums and babies being harmed or even dying.
And perhaps most depressing of all...none of it was a surprise. Multiple reports over multiple years have told us the same
And perhaps most depressing of all...none of it was a surprise. Multiple reports over multiple years have told us the same
January 7, 2026 at 11:07 AM
Before Christmas the Baroness Amos report into maternity and neonatal care was pretty horrific reading. Women not being listened to, mums and babies being harmed or even dying.
And perhaps most depressing of all...none of it was a surprise. Multiple reports over multiple years have told us the same
And perhaps most depressing of all...none of it was a surprise. Multiple reports over multiple years have told us the same
Reposted by Julia Thrift
Around 1 in 5 of us are harmed by gambling, including through stretched public services, financial problems and suicide.
These harms disproportionately impact the most vulnerable.
That is why we are supporting this campaign along with MPs from across the political spectrum⬇️
These harms disproportionately impact the most vulnerable.
That is why we are supporting this campaign along with MPs from across the political spectrum⬇️
🚨BIG NEWS🚨
Thank you to the 280 cross-party signatories backing my campaign & 10 Minute Rule Bill to end the outdated ‘Aim to Permit’ principle.
Councils & communities must have the power to say no to more gambling establishments.
People before profit! 👇🏾
Thank you to the 280 cross-party signatories backing my campaign & 10 Minute Rule Bill to end the outdated ‘Aim to Permit’ principle.
Councils & communities must have the power to say no to more gambling establishments.
People before profit! 👇🏾
January 6, 2026 at 1:49 PM
Around 1 in 5 of us are harmed by gambling, including through stretched public services, financial problems and suicide.
These harms disproportionately impact the most vulnerable.
That is why we are supporting this campaign along with MPs from across the political spectrum⬇️
These harms disproportionately impact the most vulnerable.
That is why we are supporting this campaign along with MPs from across the political spectrum⬇️
Reposted by Julia Thrift
Good morning friends! While lupines are ubiquitous signs of spring & summer in both Chilean & Argentinian Patagonia, I find the color palette gets more interesting the farther south you go. These beauties literally line the streets of Punta Arenas.
December 30, 2025 at 11:27 AM
Good morning friends! While lupines are ubiquitous signs of spring & summer in both Chilean & Argentinian Patagonia, I find the color palette gets more interesting the farther south you go. These beauties literally line the streets of Punta Arenas.
The post-war #NewTowns provided homes that people could afford to rent - there is a risk that the propsednext New Towns won't:
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
Key figures in creation of Milton Keynes criticise UK’s new towns plan
Exclusive: Planners behind postwar new towns hit out at government over lack of ambition and commitment to social housing
www.theguardian.com
December 25, 2025 at 12:54 PM
The post-war #NewTowns provided homes that people could afford to rent - there is a risk that the propsednext New Towns won't:
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
Reposted by Julia Thrift
📊At age five, nearly 60%of boys from low-income families are not ready to get the most out of school.
@instituteforgovernment.org.uk recent report 'Starting Behind, Staying Behind' explores how boys from low-income families are at risk of being overlooked or under-resourced by policymaking.
@instituteforgovernment.org.uk recent report 'Starting Behind, Staying Behind' explores how boys from low-income families are at risk of being overlooked or under-resourced by policymaking.
The opportunity gap facing boys from low-income families at age 5 and beyond | Institute for Government
Early attainment gaps mean some boys don't just start behind, they stay behind.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
December 22, 2025 at 1:50 PM
📊At age five, nearly 60%of boys from low-income families are not ready to get the most out of school.
@instituteforgovernment.org.uk recent report 'Starting Behind, Staying Behind' explores how boys from low-income families are at risk of being overlooked or under-resourced by policymaking.
@instituteforgovernment.org.uk recent report 'Starting Behind, Staying Behind' explores how boys from low-income families are at risk of being overlooked or under-resourced by policymaking.
Voters want #housebuilding, but not at the expense of #nature, says @luketryl.bsky.social writing in the #FT.
Housing development that includes #parks and green spaces and enhances #nature would be a vote winner. Pitching nature as a blocker to progress is not.
Housing development that includes #parks and green spaces and enhances #nature would be a vote winner. Pitching nature as a blocker to progress is not.
December 20, 2025 at 9:01 AM
Voters want #housebuilding, but not at the expense of #nature, says @luketryl.bsky.social writing in the #FT.
Housing development that includes #parks and green spaces and enhances #nature would be a vote winner. Pitching nature as a blocker to progress is not.
Housing development that includes #parks and green spaces and enhances #nature would be a vote winner. Pitching nature as a blocker to progress is not.
Reposted by Julia Thrift
It's ridiculous that the Government *still* haven't banned the sale of peat.
Peat bogs are still getting dug up and used for compost and in horticulture. Ministers say they'll ban it 'when time allows'.
Get on with it already! Sign the petition:
actnow.peatfreepartnership.org.uk/end-peat-sal...
Peat bogs are still getting dug up and used for compost and in horticulture. Ministers say they'll ban it 'when time allows'.
Get on with it already! Sign the petition:
actnow.peatfreepartnership.org.uk/end-peat-sal...
Sign the petition to end peat sales!
No more delays: Let's get peat out of gardens once and for all. The time for uncertainty has ended.
actnow.peatfreepartnership.org.uk
December 15, 2025 at 11:46 AM
It's ridiculous that the Government *still* haven't banned the sale of peat.
Peat bogs are still getting dug up and used for compost and in horticulture. Ministers say they'll ban it 'when time allows'.
Get on with it already! Sign the petition:
actnow.peatfreepartnership.org.uk/end-peat-sal...
Peat bogs are still getting dug up and used for compost and in horticulture. Ministers say they'll ban it 'when time allows'.
Get on with it already! Sign the petition:
actnow.peatfreepartnership.org.uk/end-peat-sal...
A very good read:
‘It’s the shape of story across all ages and human cultures. You’re in a hole. Then you get out.’
The climate crisis hole is hot, dark and we’re still in it.
But Prof Jules Pretty describes how we’re beginning to get out. There is good news…
The climate crisis hole is hot, dark and we’re still in it.
But Prof Jules Pretty describes how we’re beginning to get out. There is good news…
After COP30, what now? It’s actually good news
It’s the shape of story across all ages and human cultures. You’re in a hole. Then you get out
eastangliabylines.co.uk
December 7, 2025 at 8:41 AM
A very good read:
Significant detail in the government's #child #poverty strategy: section 1 of the #Equality Act (2010), the socio-economic duty, will be commenced and public authorities will have to consider the impact of their #policies on poverty and #inequality.
Could be transformational?
Could be transformational?
December 5, 2025 at 10:13 PM
Significant detail in the government's #child #poverty strategy: section 1 of the #Equality Act (2010), the socio-economic duty, will be commenced and public authorities will have to consider the impact of their #policies on poverty and #inequality.
Could be transformational?
Could be transformational?
Reposted by Julia Thrift
We're hiring! New Nature Recovery Ranger roles for healthcare sites in Manchester, Stockport, Bradford and London. Closing date - 12 January. Apply now: https://sustainablehealthcare.org.uk/career/nature-recovery-ranger/ #hiring #naturerecovery
December 5, 2025 at 5:11 PM
We're hiring! New Nature Recovery Ranger roles for healthcare sites in Manchester, Stockport, Bradford and London. Closing date - 12 January. Apply now: https://sustainablehealthcare.org.uk/career/nature-recovery-ranger/ #hiring #naturerecovery
Reposted by Julia Thrift
Highly recommend 'Three Ages of a Child' #BBCRadio4!
@drguddisingh.bsky.social looks into why UK children face some of the worst health outcomes in Europe. Addressing housing, education, diet, the importance of play & community carers – + great projects on all these.
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
@drguddisingh.bsky.social looks into why UK children face some of the worst health outcomes in Europe. Addressing housing, education, diet, the importance of play & community carers – + great projects on all these.
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
BBC Radio 4 - Three Ages of Child, Episode 2: The Middle Years
A journey through the landscape that shapes the health of our children.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 1, 2025 at 3:49 PM
Highly recommend 'Three Ages of a Child' #BBCRadio4!
@drguddisingh.bsky.social looks into why UK children face some of the worst health outcomes in Europe. Addressing housing, education, diet, the importance of play & community carers – + great projects on all these.
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
@drguddisingh.bsky.social looks into why UK children face some of the worst health outcomes in Europe. Addressing housing, education, diet, the importance of play & community carers – + great projects on all these.
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
Last week I gave evidence to the House of Lords' Built Environment committee 🔻 saying that it's vital that every new #home is of a basic good quality such that its occupants can live healthy lives...
Julia Thrift @thetcpa.bsky.social, at the Lords Built Environment committee inquiry last week, said future New Towns must embed the Healthy Homes Principles not only to prevent ill-health but support health creation in new communities.
View the full session here: parliamentlive.tv/Event/Index/...
View the full session here: parliamentlive.tv/Event/Index/...
December 4, 2025 at 4:58 PM
Last week I gave evidence to the House of Lords' Built Environment committee 🔻 saying that it's vital that every new #home is of a basic good quality such that its occupants can live healthy lives...
Reposted by Julia Thrift
New English Housing Survey out today, and it is still saying that average household sizes are far lower than pre-pandemic even though (a) the population didn't fall and (b) neither did the number or rate of empty homes. Which is a puzzle. www.gov.uk/government/c...
English Housing Survey 2024 to 2025: headline findings on demographics and household resilience
Initial findings from the English Housing Survey 2024 to 2025 on the profile of household and dwellings, household demographics, housing costs and affordability, household moves, and wellbeing.
www.gov.uk
December 4, 2025 at 3:58 PM
New English Housing Survey out today, and it is still saying that average household sizes are far lower than pre-pandemic even though (a) the population didn't fall and (b) neither did the number or rate of empty homes. Which is a puzzle. www.gov.uk/government/c...
Do listen to this, it's lovely 🔻
And if you can, please donate, to help plant #trees where they are needed most 🍂 🌳
And if you can, please donate, to help plant #trees where they are needed most 🍂 🌳
Tune in today at 3:27pm on BBC Radio 4 to hear Sir Michael Palin share a story of hope in the heart of Tower Hamlets 🌳💚
Our story with Sir Michael Palin began back in 1998 and now, he joins us to deliver our BBC Radio 4 Appeal.
🌳 If you missed this morning's broadcast, tune in tonight at 9:25pm or on Thursday 4th at 3:27pm to hear from Michael on the power of tree planting!
www.treesforcities.org/bbc-radio-4-...
🌳 If you missed this morning's broadcast, tune in tonight at 9:25pm or on Thursday 4th at 3:27pm to hear from Michael on the power of tree planting!
www.treesforcities.org/bbc-radio-4-...
December 4, 2025 at 2:34 PM
Do listen to this, it's lovely 🔻
And if you can, please donate, to help plant #trees where they are needed most 🍂 🌳
And if you can, please donate, to help plant #trees where they are needed most 🍂 🌳
Reposted by Julia Thrift
🏘️ Up to £19.8 million is available to councils in England to support the release of brownfield land for #housing development, delivered by One Public Estate.
Find out more and apply on our website:
www.local.gov.uk/our-support/...
Find out more and apply on our website:
www.local.gov.uk/our-support/...
December 4, 2025 at 12:12 PM
🏘️ Up to £19.8 million is available to councils in England to support the release of brownfield land for #housing development, delivered by One Public Estate.
Find out more and apply on our website:
www.local.gov.uk/our-support/...
Find out more and apply on our website:
www.local.gov.uk/our-support/...
This is really very good 🔻. The thing it misses is that air pollution is a *huge* public health problem: the cleaner air caused by the bridge being closed to traffic will be measurably improving the health of a large population and saving the #NHS a massive amount...
I really cannot recommend this excellent piece on Hammersmith Bridge highly enough
Hammersmith Bridge
Where did 25,000 vehicles go?
nickmaini.substack.com
November 22, 2025 at 6:49 PM
This is really very good 🔻. The thing it misses is that air pollution is a *huge* public health problem: the cleaner air caused by the bridge being closed to traffic will be measurably improving the health of a large population and saving the #NHS a massive amount...
I think it's pretty much certain there will be some kind of new "planning" bill announced v soon. Not a Bill led by MHCLG but some kind of "climate and nature bill" with more reforms on judicial review, some proposals on infrastructure and measures from Corry review on permitting, regs.
November 17, 2025 at 2:14 PM
Reposted by Julia Thrift
In 2023, life expectancy for females in the UK was 82.9 years, lower than all other comparable countries.
Veena Raleigh reviews the latest international data to assess how the UK’s health compares to other countries: https://bit.ly/47PQNSQ
Veena Raleigh reviews the latest international data to assess how the UK’s health compares to other countries: https://bit.ly/47PQNSQ
November 16, 2025 at 9:05 AM
In 2023, life expectancy for females in the UK was 82.9 years, lower than all other comparable countries.
Veena Raleigh reviews the latest international data to assess how the UK’s health compares to other countries: https://bit.ly/47PQNSQ
Veena Raleigh reviews the latest international data to assess how the UK’s health compares to other countries: https://bit.ly/47PQNSQ
Reposted by Julia Thrift
I remember the bonfire nights of my youth - absolutely freezing
As the warmest bonfire night on record hit the UK, the BBC managed to report it without mentioning climate change!
www.bbc.com/weather/arti...
As the warmest bonfire night on record hit the UK, the BBC managed to report it without mentioning climate change!
www.bbc.com/weather/arti...
UK weather: after warmest ever Bonfire Night when with UK temperatures drop?
After the UK's warmest ever Bonfire Night, Helen Willetts looks at how long the mild November weather will last.
www.bbc.com
November 7, 2025 at 7:12 PM
I remember the bonfire nights of my youth - absolutely freezing
As the warmest bonfire night on record hit the UK, the BBC managed to report it without mentioning climate change!
www.bbc.com/weather/arti...
As the warmest bonfire night on record hit the UK, the BBC managed to report it without mentioning climate change!
www.bbc.com/weather/arti...
Reposted by Julia Thrift
Government has published one of those quiet but important documents that might get overlooked as it is not 'newsy'. The headline finding is that £1 of public R&D investment generates £8 in net economic benefits for the UK over the long term
www.gov.uk/government/p...
www.gov.uk/government/p...
The value of public R&D
www.gov.uk
October 30, 2025 at 1:28 PM
Government has published one of those quiet but important documents that might get overlooked as it is not 'newsy'. The headline finding is that £1 of public R&D investment generates £8 in net economic benefits for the UK over the long term
www.gov.uk/government/p...
www.gov.uk/government/p...
Reposted by Julia Thrift
With some fabulous playwork, youth work, and school-based colleagues - and with local children - we’ve been working in Jarrow to shout about the value of play, so very very pleased to see “further investment focused on a new play strategy for children” in the developing plans of Jarrow Forward.
Ambitious £20m plans to transform North East town unveiled
The Jarrow Forward neighbourhood board has produced a ten-year regeneration plan for the South Tyneside town after listening to the views of more than 1,000 residents
www.chroniclelive.co.uk
October 29, 2025 at 3:37 PM
With some fabulous playwork, youth work, and school-based colleagues - and with local children - we’ve been working in Jarrow to shout about the value of play, so very very pleased to see “further investment focused on a new play strategy for children” in the developing plans of Jarrow Forward.
Reposted by Julia Thrift
In 2012 I saw a similar ad, for a finance writer at The Economist. A few months later I got the job. It is not a pain-free application (you have to submit an original article) but I could only encourage you to have a punt.
An opportunity to join the staff of The Economist
Wanted: a new finance writer
An opportunity to join the staff of The Economist
econ.st
October 22, 2025 at 1:00 PM
In 2012 I saw a similar ad, for a finance writer at The Economist. A few months later I got the job. It is not a pain-free application (you have to submit an original article) but I could only encourage you to have a punt.
Reposted by Julia Thrift
In Paris, here in October, in the urban park on the banks of the Seine. It used to be a motorway, and now it is a public space for the enjoyment of inhabitants of all ages.
October 18, 2025 at 4:57 PM
In Paris, here in October, in the urban park on the banks of the Seine. It used to be a motorway, and now it is a public space for the enjoyment of inhabitants of all ages.