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
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.
Reposted by Julia Thrift
Breaking news: Councillors voted to approve redeveloping Lewisham Shopping Centre tonight amid angry scenes. We’ll have coverage of this on the website tomorrow.
Plans to knock down Lewisham Shopping Centre for 1,700 new homes and a new mall could move forward next week when councillors decide whether or not to approve the scheme.
Sainsbury's and Greenwich Council are objecting, while a protest is planned for Saturday.
greenwichwire.co.uk/2025/10/09/l...
Sainsbury's and Greenwich Council are objecting, while a protest is planned for Saturday.
greenwichwire.co.uk/2025/10/09/l...
Plans for 1,700 flats at Lewisham Shopping Centre set for approval - The Greenwich Wire
Plans to knock down Lewisham Shopping Centre and replace it with more than 1,700 new homes and a new mall could take a step forward next week when councillors decide whether or not to approve the…
greenwichwire.co.uk
October 16, 2025 at 8:45 PM
Breaking news: Councillors voted to approve redeveloping Lewisham Shopping Centre tonight amid angry scenes. We’ll have coverage of this on the website tomorrow.
Everyone should read this 🔻
There is no need for a moral panic about the UK's welfare system.
Far from perfect but recent discourse is nuts
Spending is controlled, not spiralling
Worklessness is near record lows
My column www.ft.com/content/ee67...
Far from perfect but recent discourse is nuts
Spending is controlled, not spiralling
Worklessness is near record lows
My column www.ft.com/content/ee67...
October 15, 2025 at 5:55 PM
Everyone should read this 🔻
Always a pleasure to visit #Manchester - but even more so now the #Bee integrated public #transport network is up-and-running.
Easy-peasy to get around, even for tourists like me...
Easy-peasy to get around, even for tourists like me...
October 15, 2025 at 9:49 AM
Always a pleasure to visit #Manchester - but even more so now the #Bee integrated public #transport network is up-and-running.
Easy-peasy to get around, even for tourists like me...
Easy-peasy to get around, even for tourists like me...
Wot no #UniversityChallenge tonight? 😳
October 13, 2025 at 7:09 PM
Wot no #UniversityChallenge tonight? 😳
Reposted by Julia Thrift
A huge thank you to The Developer for this article on Make Space for Girls and helping raise awareness of the fact all donations to our charity are doubled this week:
www.thedeveloper.live/opinion/make...
#wgmf @biggive.bsky.social
www.thedeveloper.live/opinion/make...
#wgmf @biggive.bsky.social
Make Space for Girls launch major donation drive for International Day of the Girl
All donations will be matched until 15 October by the Big Give in honour of the International Day of the Girl. Make Space for Girls is fighting for the inclusion of girls in the creation of places
www.thedeveloper.live
October 10, 2025 at 6:43 AM
A huge thank you to The Developer for this article on Make Space for Girls and helping raise awareness of the fact all donations to our charity are doubled this week:
www.thedeveloper.live/opinion/make...
#wgmf @biggive.bsky.social
www.thedeveloper.live/opinion/make...
#wgmf @biggive.bsky.social
Reposted by Julia Thrift
🧵🚨
The UK’s independent scientific bodies are highly vulnerable to politicisation - over the past 5 months I've been working with @martinmckee.bsky.social to map out their vulnerabilities and it's not good news.
Today our report is published!
www.ucl.ac.uk/policy-lab/n...
1/11
The UK’s independent scientific bodies are highly vulnerable to politicisation - over the past 5 months I've been working with @martinmckee.bsky.social to map out their vulnerabilities and it's not good news.
Today our report is published!
www.ucl.ac.uk/policy-lab/n...
1/11
UK’s arm’s length public bodies are highly vulnerable to politicisation
Seven in ten Britons say it is important for top scientific institutions to be independent in exclusive new polling.
www.ucl.ac.uk
October 9, 2025 at 3:47 PM
🧵🚨
The UK’s independent scientific bodies are highly vulnerable to politicisation - over the past 5 months I've been working with @martinmckee.bsky.social to map out their vulnerabilities and it's not good news.
Today our report is published!
www.ucl.ac.uk/policy-lab/n...
1/11
The UK’s independent scientific bodies are highly vulnerable to politicisation - over the past 5 months I've been working with @martinmckee.bsky.social to map out their vulnerabilities and it's not good news.
Today our report is published!
www.ucl.ac.uk/policy-lab/n...
1/11
Reposted by Julia Thrift
Well, that's one way of handling global ecosystem collapse
Block publication of research that might raise awkward questions about whether UK govt is doing enough about it
Can't see any flaws in that approach....
www.thetimes.com/uk/environme...
Block publication of research that might raise awkward questions about whether UK govt is doing enough about it
Can't see any flaws in that approach....
www.thetimes.com/uk/environme...
No 10 blocks report on impact of rainforest collapse on food prices
Downing Street has vetoed release of an assessment that says the loss of the Amazon ecosystem could drive up food inflation as well as lead to mass migration
www.thetimes.com
October 9, 2025 at 6:57 AM
Well, that's one way of handling global ecosystem collapse
Block publication of research that might raise awkward questions about whether UK govt is doing enough about it
Can't see any flaws in that approach....
www.thetimes.com/uk/environme...
Block publication of research that might raise awkward questions about whether UK govt is doing enough about it
Can't see any flaws in that approach....
www.thetimes.com/uk/environme...
Reposted by Julia Thrift
Up for helping with #SlowWays this weekend? This map shows 900 routes across Britain that need just one more good review to be verified🐌✅⭐️❤️
Could you check one... or even a trail of routes? And inspire others to follow in your footsteps?
Take look:
beta.slowways.org/user/waylist...
Could you check one... or even a trail of routes? And inspire others to follow in your footsteps?
Take look:
beta.slowways.org/user/waylist...
October 3, 2025 at 4:03 PM
Up for helping with #SlowWays this weekend? This map shows 900 routes across Britain that need just one more good review to be verified🐌✅⭐️❤️
Could you check one... or even a trail of routes? And inspire others to follow in your footsteps?
Take look:
beta.slowways.org/user/waylist...
Could you check one... or even a trail of routes? And inspire others to follow in your footsteps?
Take look:
beta.slowways.org/user/waylist...
#Design is facing an existential crisis, as @edwinheathcote.bsky.social explains so eloquently. 🔻🔻
Design thinking could transform lives for the better (eg in #NHS systems; or wayfinding; or products for older people), but many designers' work just fuels excessive consumption...
on.ft.com/46M9mXI
Design thinking could transform lives for the better (eg in #NHS systems; or wayfinding; or products for older people), but many designers' work just fuels excessive consumption...
on.ft.com/46M9mXI
Why designers abandoned their dreams of changing the world
Design was once seen as a tool to improve lives — but as modernism has become marketing, that sense of social purpose has drifted away
on.ft.com
October 4, 2025 at 8:54 AM
#Design is facing an existential crisis, as @edwinheathcote.bsky.social explains so eloquently. 🔻🔻
Design thinking could transform lives for the better (eg in #NHS systems; or wayfinding; or products for older people), but many designers' work just fuels excessive consumption...
on.ft.com/46M9mXI
Design thinking could transform lives for the better (eg in #NHS systems; or wayfinding; or products for older people), but many designers' work just fuels excessive consumption...
on.ft.com/46M9mXI
Reposted by Julia Thrift
The same in #Edinburgh. It invested in its public realm to increase walking and cycling and Mastercard reported a 20% increase in local spend.
Many other benefits were also evidenced in the multi year study - despite predictions of disaster, the scheme was anything but.
Many other benefits were also evidenced in the multi year study - despite predictions of disaster, the scheme was anything but.
October 3, 2025 at 11:57 AM
The same in #Edinburgh. It invested in its public realm to increase walking and cycling and Mastercard reported a 20% increase in local spend.
Many other benefits were also evidenced in the multi year study - despite predictions of disaster, the scheme was anything but.
Many other benefits were also evidenced in the multi year study - despite predictions of disaster, the scheme was anything but.
Reposted by Julia Thrift
@theasrstein.bsky.social warns that other countries haven't made a shift from hospital to community without investment, and we don't have the infrastructure that is ready for that shift at the moment.
It's a very difficult equation to make it work with current resources.
It's a very difficult equation to make it work with current resources.
September 30, 2025 at 12:12 PM
@theasrstein.bsky.social warns that other countries haven't made a shift from hospital to community without investment, and we don't have the infrastructure that is ready for that shift at the moment.
It's a very difficult equation to make it work with current resources.
It's a very difficult equation to make it work with current resources.
Reposted by Julia Thrift
At this year's TCPA Annual Conference, we'll hear inspiring examples of community planning & nature recovery, learn what the Planning & Infrastructure Bill proposals mean in practice, & consider how local planning authorities should approach the next year.
Tickets: www.tcpa.org.uk/event/tcpa-a...
Tickets: www.tcpa.org.uk/event/tcpa-a...
September 24, 2025 at 12:22 PM
At this year's TCPA Annual Conference, we'll hear inspiring examples of community planning & nature recovery, learn what the Planning & Infrastructure Bill proposals mean in practice, & consider how local planning authorities should approach the next year.
Tickets: www.tcpa.org.uk/event/tcpa-a...
Tickets: www.tcpa.org.uk/event/tcpa-a...
Reposted by Julia Thrift
Parks should be accessible & welcoming to all. Yet in Britain, women are 3x more likely than men to feel unsafe in a park during the day. We must create a community of active bystanders to make our parks safer & more inclusive, writes Dr Anna Barker on the launch of a new campaign.
shorturl.at/kti7o
shorturl.at/kti7o
Safer Parks: Design only goes so far – we need to tackle harassment
We must create a community of active bystanders to make our parks safer and more inclusive, writes Dr Anna Barker on the launch of a new campaign. Professionals in the built environment have a vital r...
www.thedeveloper.live
September 23, 2025 at 3:14 PM
Parks should be accessible & welcoming to all. Yet in Britain, women are 3x more likely than men to feel unsafe in a park during the day. We must create a community of active bystanders to make our parks safer & more inclusive, writes Dr Anna Barker on the launch of a new campaign.
shorturl.at/kti7o
shorturl.at/kti7o
Reposted by Julia Thrift
#theBeeAt3
Basic bee facts every day at 3pm.
# 179
Bumblebees are aware of the size of their bodies relative to the environment around them.
They know how big they are and can judge where they’ll fit!
Knowing one’s body dimensions is a core aspect of self-awareness.
#bees
#nature
#environment
Basic bee facts every day at 3pm.
# 179
Bumblebees are aware of the size of their bodies relative to the environment around them.
They know how big they are and can judge where they’ll fit!
Knowing one’s body dimensions is a core aspect of self-awareness.
#bees
#nature
#environment
September 22, 2025 at 2:27 PM
#theBeeAt3
Basic bee facts every day at 3pm.
# 179
Bumblebees are aware of the size of their bodies relative to the environment around them.
They know how big they are and can judge where they’ll fit!
Knowing one’s body dimensions is a core aspect of self-awareness.
#bees
#nature
#environment
Basic bee facts every day at 3pm.
# 179
Bumblebees are aware of the size of their bodies relative to the environment around them.
They know how big they are and can judge where they’ll fit!
Knowing one’s body dimensions is a core aspect of self-awareness.
#bees
#nature
#environment
Reposted by Julia Thrift
Most areas in the UK were affected by heatwaves this summer, with some areas becoming unbearable. This is likely the future of our British summers ☀️🌡️
One way to make your street cooler is to add some trees. Sponsor a street tree today to make next summer easier 👉 sponsor.treesforstreets.org/start
One way to make your street cooler is to add some trees. Sponsor a street tree today to make next summer easier 👉 sponsor.treesforstreets.org/start
September 19, 2025 at 9:08 AM
Most areas in the UK were affected by heatwaves this summer, with some areas becoming unbearable. This is likely the future of our British summers ☀️🌡️
One way to make your street cooler is to add some trees. Sponsor a street tree today to make next summer easier 👉 sponsor.treesforstreets.org/start
One way to make your street cooler is to add some trees. Sponsor a street tree today to make next summer easier 👉 sponsor.treesforstreets.org/start
Reposted by Julia Thrift
New Pod: The Grown Up Stuff! (Free) Wills & even more important Power Of Attorney. I'm joined by lawyers to talk peace of mind protection. Do listen.
podcasts.APPLE.com/gb/podcast/t...
open.SPOTIFY.com/show/6tsU1yc...
www.BBC.co.uk/sounds/brand...
podcasts.APPLE.com/gb/podcast/t...
open.SPOTIFY.com/show/6tsU1yc...
www.BBC.co.uk/sounds/brand...
September 18, 2025 at 6:48 PM
New Pod: The Grown Up Stuff! (Free) Wills & even more important Power Of Attorney. I'm joined by lawyers to talk peace of mind protection. Do listen.
podcasts.APPLE.com/gb/podcast/t...
open.SPOTIFY.com/show/6tsU1yc...
www.BBC.co.uk/sounds/brand...
podcasts.APPLE.com/gb/podcast/t...
open.SPOTIFY.com/show/6tsU1yc...
www.BBC.co.uk/sounds/brand...