Michael Martin
@mic-martin.bsky.social
Lecturer & Programme Director of Urban Design & Planning, University of Sheffield working in #urbandesign #childfriendlycities #urbanplay 🇮🇪 co-author of ‘Applied Urban Design: A Contextually Responsive Approach’, Routledge Books https://amzn.eu/d/i4dPGoH
Pinned
Michael Martin
@mic-martin.bsky.social
· Jan 11
IT'S HERE! My first book!! And it's an absolute BEAUT!!! 📕♥️🥳🎉
#AppliedUrbanDesign w. Philip black BobPhillips & TakiSonbli published by Routledge Books
A feat almost 10 years in the making😅...
20% DISCOUNT available w. Promo Code AFLY03 routledge.com/Applied-Urban-…
Order now!!
#AppliedUrbanDesign w. Philip black BobPhillips & TakiSonbli published by Routledge Books
A feat almost 10 years in the making😅...
20% DISCOUNT available w. Promo Code AFLY03 routledge.com/Applied-Urban-…
Order now!!
Reposted by Michael Martin
When we talk about outdoor play for children, many people picture swings or slides.
But what about 'natural play'? Splashing in puddles & making dens can nurture children's creativity, resilience & build connection to nature.
This webinar explores why it matters:
www.tcpa.org.uk/resources/pl...
But what about 'natural play'? Splashing in puddles & making dens can nurture children's creativity, resilience & build connection to nature.
This webinar explores why it matters:
www.tcpa.org.uk/resources/pl...
Plants, puddles and possibility: the importance of natural play for children
www.tcpa.org.uk
January 29, 2026 at 9:29 AM
When we talk about outdoor play for children, many people picture swings or slides.
But what about 'natural play'? Splashing in puddles & making dens can nurture children's creativity, resilience & build connection to nature.
This webinar explores why it matters:
www.tcpa.org.uk/resources/pl...
But what about 'natural play'? Splashing in puddles & making dens can nurture children's creativity, resilience & build connection to nature.
This webinar explores why it matters:
www.tcpa.org.uk/resources/pl...
Reposted by Michael Martin
There's still time to register for our free webinar:
'Plants, puddles & possibility: the importance of natural play for children'
Discover what we mean by 'natural play' & explore the evidence on why it matters for children.
📆 Monday 26 January
🕰️11.30am - 1pm
🖇️ www.tcpa.org.uk/event/plants...
'Plants, puddles & possibility: the importance of natural play for children'
Discover what we mean by 'natural play' & explore the evidence on why it matters for children.
📆 Monday 26 January
🕰️11.30am - 1pm
🖇️ www.tcpa.org.uk/event/plants...
January 21, 2026 at 10:00 AM
There's still time to register for our free webinar:
'Plants, puddles & possibility: the importance of natural play for children'
Discover what we mean by 'natural play' & explore the evidence on why it matters for children.
📆 Monday 26 January
🕰️11.30am - 1pm
🖇️ www.tcpa.org.uk/event/plants...
'Plants, puddles & possibility: the importance of natural play for children'
Discover what we mean by 'natural play' & explore the evidence on why it matters for children.
📆 Monday 26 January
🕰️11.30am - 1pm
🖇️ www.tcpa.org.uk/event/plants...
Reposted by Michael Martin
From muddy knees to makeshift dens, everyday playful encounters with nature are important in childhood.
Our free webinar on 26 January will explore why natural play matters for children, especially those living in dense, risk-averse & urban environments.
Agenda & registrations: shorturl.at/320yq
Our free webinar on 26 January will explore why natural play matters for children, especially those living in dense, risk-averse & urban environments.
Agenda & registrations: shorturl.at/320yq
January 8, 2026 at 11:20 AM
From muddy knees to makeshift dens, everyday playful encounters with nature are important in childhood.
Our free webinar on 26 January will explore why natural play matters for children, especially those living in dense, risk-averse & urban environments.
Agenda & registrations: shorturl.at/320yq
Our free webinar on 26 January will explore why natural play matters for children, especially those living in dense, risk-averse & urban environments.
Agenda & registrations: shorturl.at/320yq
Reposted by Michael Martin
Holy moly - Welsh Government have approved side-road zebras! www.gov.wales/written-stat...
Written Statement: Side Road Zebra Crossings in Wales | GOV.WALES
Ken Skates, Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales
www.gov.wales
November 26, 2025 at 10:15 PM
Holy moly - Welsh Government have approved side-road zebras! www.gov.wales/written-stat...
Reposted by Michael Martin
In the @uk.theconversation.com, I rehearse - in briefer form - my arguments _for_ play in grey space, arguing that it affords opportunities for play, connection and care that green space often can’t, and that it’s politically important to value play in these spaces.
Children should have a right to play in the streets, alleys, pavements and car parks of their neighbourhoods
Play isn’t just for playgrounds.
theconversation.com
October 22, 2025 at 6:15 PM
In the @uk.theconversation.com, I rehearse - in briefer form - my arguments _for_ play in grey space, arguing that it affords opportunities for play, connection and care that green space often can’t, and that it’s politically important to value play in these spaces.
Reposted by Michael Martin
This is appalling. It seems the parish council made a mistake, and some adults complained. And it's children and young people who lose out, with plans for a new play space pushed into next year at least.
It's the sound of children playing, FFS.
It's the sound of children playing, FFS.
A play facility that was paid for by community fundraising has been demolished because residents complained about the noise.
They should be ashamed of themselves
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
They should be ashamed of themselves
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Council demolishes play area after noise complaints - BBC News
Parents in a Derbyshire town say their children are 'devastated' they have lost the facility.
www.bbc.co.uk
October 7, 2025 at 11:01 AM
This is appalling. It seems the parish council made a mistake, and some adults complained. And it's children and young people who lose out, with plans for a new play space pushed into next year at least.
It's the sound of children playing, FFS.
It's the sound of children playing, FFS.
Reposted by Michael Martin
This summer, 40 Stockholm streets have gone car-free.
Deputy Mayor: “Change makes people nervous, and they don’t like when it feels forced. So, [we] frame these road closures like a fun little experiment that can go away if people don’t like them.”
Source: www.politico.eu/newsletter/g...
Deputy Mayor: “Change makes people nervous, and they don’t like when it feels forced. So, [we] frame these road closures like a fun little experiment that can go away if people don’t like them.”
Source: www.politico.eu/newsletter/g...
September 19, 2025 at 11:36 AM
This summer, 40 Stockholm streets have gone car-free.
Deputy Mayor: “Change makes people nervous, and they don’t like when it feels forced. So, [we] frame these road closures like a fun little experiment that can go away if people don’t like them.”
Source: www.politico.eu/newsletter/g...
Deputy Mayor: “Change makes people nervous, and they don’t like when it feels forced. So, [we] frame these road closures like a fun little experiment that can go away if people don’t like them.”
Source: www.politico.eu/newsletter/g...
Was lovely chatting with you Laurie!! Love the article ❤️
September 8, 2025 at 12:41 PM
Was lovely chatting with you Laurie!! Love the article ❤️
Reposted by Michael Martin
Skate park, bike parking, bus station, Saturday evening in Hiroshima #japan #urbanlandscape
September 6, 2025 at 4:29 PM
Skate park, bike parking, bus station, Saturday evening in Hiroshima #japan #urbanlandscape
Reposted by Michael Martin
“Compared to their parents’ generation, the amount of time today’s children play outside has declined by 50%. But this downward trend doesn’t have to be inevitable. Thoughtful planning, which listens to the voices of children and young people, can produce… environments where children can develop”
UK children face barriers to outdoor play due to poor planning, says study
‘Fragmented’ policies leading councils to prioritise approval of housebuilding over parks, researchers find
www.theguardian.com
September 5, 2025 at 6:36 PM
“Compared to their parents’ generation, the amount of time today’s children play outside has declined by 50%. But this downward trend doesn’t have to be inevitable. Thoughtful planning, which listens to the voices of children and young people, can produce… environments where children can develop”
😎 I was very chuffed to be interviewed by @lauriewinkless.bsky.social for her @forbes.com feature
‘How Can We Make Our Cities More Child-Friendly?’
#HelenWoolley and I reflect on our respective research on planning & designing cities that take children’s rights seriously
@sheffielduni.bsky.social
‘How Can We Make Our Cities More Child-Friendly?’
#HelenWoolley and I reflect on our respective research on planning & designing cities that take children’s rights seriously
@sheffielduni.bsky.social
How Can We Make Our Cities More Child-Friendly?
U.K.-based researchers say that we're failing children when it comes to urban design, ignoring their fundamental right to play in our cities.
www.forbes.com
September 4, 2025 at 8:13 AM
😎 I was very chuffed to be interviewed by @lauriewinkless.bsky.social for her @forbes.com feature
‘How Can We Make Our Cities More Child-Friendly?’
#HelenWoolley and I reflect on our respective research on planning & designing cities that take children’s rights seriously
@sheffielduni.bsky.social
‘How Can We Make Our Cities More Child-Friendly?’
#HelenWoolley and I reflect on our respective research on planning & designing cities that take children’s rights seriously
@sheffielduni.bsky.social
Reposted by Michael Martin
My latest article for @forbes.com is all about the importance of incorporating play in cities (spoiler alert: playgrounds aren't enough!) 👩🔬⚛️🧪 www.forbes.com/sites/laurie...
How Can We Make Our Cities More Child-Friendly?
UK-based researchers say that we're failing children when it comes to urban design, ignoring their fundamental right to play in our cities.
www.forbes.com
August 26, 2025 at 11:46 PM
My latest article for @forbes.com is all about the importance of incorporating play in cities (spoiler alert: playgrounds aren't enough!) 👩🔬⚛️🧪 www.forbes.com/sites/laurie...
Reposted by Michael Martin
Resharing my latest @forbes.com article - it's about play in cities, and how we're not doing enough to meet the needs of children. It features interviews with two experts in outdoor play from @sheffielduni.bsky.social ⚛️👩🔬🧪
www.forbes.com/sites/laurie...
www.forbes.com/sites/laurie...
How Can We Make Our Cities More Child-Friendly?
U.K.-based researchers say that we're failing children when it comes to urban design, ignoring their fundamental right to play in our cities.
www.forbes.com
August 28, 2025 at 7:03 PM
Resharing my latest @forbes.com article - it's about play in cities, and how we're not doing enough to meet the needs of children. It features interviews with two experts in outdoor play from @sheffielduni.bsky.social ⚛️👩🔬🧪
www.forbes.com/sites/laurie...
www.forbes.com/sites/laurie...
Reposted by Michael Martin
Yesterday we launched the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Play (@appgonplay.bsky.social) 🎉
We're already 40 MPs and Peers strong, working together to:
✅ Push for a National Play Strategy
✅ Champion play sufficiency law
✅ Put play back at the heart of childhood
We're already 40 MPs and Peers strong, working together to:
✅ Push for a National Play Strategy
✅ Champion play sufficiency law
✅ Put play back at the heart of childhood
September 3, 2025 at 5:15 PM
Yesterday we launched the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Play (@appgonplay.bsky.social) 🎉
We're already 40 MPs and Peers strong, working together to:
✅ Push for a National Play Strategy
✅ Champion play sufficiency law
✅ Put play back at the heart of childhood
We're already 40 MPs and Peers strong, working together to:
✅ Push for a National Play Strategy
✅ Champion play sufficiency law
✅ Put play back at the heart of childhood
Reposted by Michael Martin
Fabulous to see the launch of the APPG on Play @appgonplay.bsky.social - very hopeful that play will start be taken as seriously as it demands, with the hope of a new national play strategy and play sufficiency legislation.
Yesterday we launched the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Play (@appgonplay.bsky.social) 🎉
We're already 40 MPs and Peers strong, working together to:
✅ Push for a National Play Strategy
✅ Champion play sufficiency law
✅ Put play back at the heart of childhood
We're already 40 MPs and Peers strong, working together to:
✅ Push for a National Play Strategy
✅ Champion play sufficiency law
✅ Put play back at the heart of childhood
September 3, 2025 at 6:57 PM
Fabulous to see the launch of the APPG on Play @appgonplay.bsky.social - very hopeful that play will start be taken as seriously as it demands, with the hope of a new national play strategy and play sufficiency legislation.
Thanks so much for sharing my article Zoe 👏
July 16, 2025 at 11:25 AM
Thanks so much for sharing my article Zoe 👏
Reposted by Michael Martin
“Places that allow for children’s play can create dynamic neighbourhoods, intergenerational encounters, and meaningful participation in urban spaces – if only we let it happen.” @playingout.bsky.social #playstreets are a great way to make this happen.
Play should be promoted in cities to bolster children’s right to play anywhere.
How to give children the freedom to play all across the city – not just in playgrounds
Play should be promoted in cities to bolster children’s right to play anywhere.
tcnv.link
July 16, 2025 at 7:12 AM
“Places that allow for children’s play can create dynamic neighbourhoods, intergenerational encounters, and meaningful participation in urban spaces – if only we let it happen.” @playingout.bsky.social #playstreets are a great way to make this happen.
Reposted by Michael Martin
Play should be promoted in cities to bolster children’s right to play anywhere.
How to give children the freedom to play all across the city – not just in playgrounds
Play should be promoted in cities to bolster children’s right to play anywhere.
tcnv.link
July 16, 2025 at 6:59 AM
Play should be promoted in cities to bolster children’s right to play anywhere.
‘How to give children the freedom to #play across the city - not just in playgrounds’
My article in @uk.theconversation.com
#Play creates dynamic neighbourhoods, intergenerational encounters, & meaningful participation in #urbanspaces – if only we let it happen
theconversation.com/how-to-give-...
My article in @uk.theconversation.com
#Play creates dynamic neighbourhoods, intergenerational encounters, & meaningful participation in #urbanspaces – if only we let it happen
theconversation.com/how-to-give-...
How to give children the freedom to play all across the city – not just in playgrounds
Play should be promoted in cities to bolster children’s right to play anywhere.
theconversation.com
July 16, 2025 at 11:24 AM
‘How to give children the freedom to #play across the city - not just in playgrounds’
My article in @uk.theconversation.com
#Play creates dynamic neighbourhoods, intergenerational encounters, & meaningful participation in #urbanspaces – if only we let it happen
theconversation.com/how-to-give-...
My article in @uk.theconversation.com
#Play creates dynamic neighbourhoods, intergenerational encounters, & meaningful participation in #urbanspaces – if only we let it happen
theconversation.com/how-to-give-...
Reposted by Michael Martin
Children have as much right to their streets as drivers. There is no legal basis for them being shoed off streets. And I have no doubt that cars - moving and parked - cause a nuisance for children.
This is extraordinarily depressing from Manchester City Council.
@playingout.bsky.social
This is extraordinarily depressing from Manchester City Council.
@playingout.bsky.social
July 9, 2025 at 7:24 PM
Children have as much right to their streets as drivers. There is no legal basis for them being shoed off streets. And I have no doubt that cars - moving and parked - cause a nuisance for children.
This is extraordinarily depressing from Manchester City Council.
@playingout.bsky.social
This is extraordinarily depressing from Manchester City Council.
@playingout.bsky.social
Reposted by Michael Martin
Great work from Active Travel England pulling together these pledges from all (but one) of the regional mayors. The focus on routes to school (which are generally locally extensive and dense) is a good way of building popular support, and putting children first.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Twelve of England’s regional mayors back plan to create ‘national active travel network’
Exclusive: Unprecedented move to focus initially on helping children to walk, cycle or scoot to school safely
www.theguardian.com
July 2, 2025 at 6:36 AM
Great work from Active Travel England pulling together these pledges from all (but one) of the regional mayors. The focus on routes to school (which are generally locally extensive and dense) is a good way of building popular support, and putting children first.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Reposted by Michael Martin
Relatedly, if you’re on your way to Active City York today, or just enjoying a morning coffee, you can read about another failed attempt at creating safer streets for children - 50 years ago - in my article for Highways Magazine.
July 2, 2025 at 7:49 AM
Relatedly, if you’re on your way to Active City York today, or just enjoying a morning coffee, you can read about another failed attempt at creating safer streets for children - 50 years ago - in my article for Highways Magazine.
Thank you Wendy 👏!!
June 27, 2025 at 10:53 PM
Thank you Wendy 👏!!
Thanks so much Alison and for the great session in Newcastle!! I found your paper with @wendyrussell.bsky.social super helpful!! Such a good perspective and one this article hopefully adds to.
June 27, 2025 at 7:24 PM
Thanks so much Alison and for the great session in Newcastle!! I found your paper with @wendyrussell.bsky.social super helpful!! Such a good perspective and one this article hopefully adds to.
Thanks so much Sally! And thanks to you and Alison for a brilliant session at RGS Newcastle! Was really helpful in developing the paper!! Hope it’s of use!!
June 27, 2025 at 9:16 AM
Thanks so much Sally! And thanks to you and Alison for a brilliant session at RGS Newcastle! Was really helpful in developing the paper!! Hope it’s of use!!