by Dr Nicola James

In the heady years of the new millennium, following the formation of the Scottish Government in 1999, a plan was established. The Scottish Parliament was to reclaim and grow new green spaces for mental health and wellbeing – and the meaning of Glasgow as a ‘dear green place’ in which all could ‘flourish’ re-emerged in the landscape: plans for the city itself were renewed, from its verges to ‘green bridges’ – pathways suspended across our city motorways for the safe traverse and fertilisation of flora and fauna. Enjoying such spaces was key as were what landscape architects termed the ‘paths of desire’ that connected the edges, particularly of overgrown, marginalised or derelict sites.

Around the same time, I was appointed Head of Mental Health Services at a local university. We worked closely with and were inspired by this renewal of government policy. And even allowed our imaginings to include the idea of ‘listening benches’ throughout the university gardens. Green space and listening, it seemed to us, were closely allied.  It’s no coincidence that a green campaigner such as George Monbiot spoke of the need for listening.

‘What makes the difference is the listening. There’s a solid rule in life: if you don’t listen to other people, they won’t listen to you. I’m often told that people are “too exhausted” to engage in politics. That can mean they’re overwhelmed by work and family life. But it can also refer to the exhaustion of being unheard. The sense that no one is listening is alienating and demoralising.’

Dr Nicola James is Consultant University Staff Supervisor and NHS Counsellor. She is a Quaker with an interest in and passion for ecumenical spaces.

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Photo by Eder Pozo Pérez on Unsplash