Chalk Pit Community

Over the three days I was at the Chalk Pit (14-16 August 2009) I spoke to 44 people.
(6-14 years – 28)
(15-21 years – 0)
(22-59 years – 5)
(60+ years – 11)

I spoke to about half of the total number of people more than once with some residents stopping
by on up to six separate occasions.

My approach included learning about the site through listening to the residents, observing how the site was currently being used and questioning how more of a focus on play could improve the site. The majority of the responses are recorded on the map/drawing, and a description of each day can be foundon page 13 and 14.

There were four easily identifiable groups using the Chalk pit;

The dog walkers
Generally 40 years+. Usually on they’re own but stopping to chat with other dog walkers. Predominantly using the east end of the site but with lots going into both areas. From those that I spoke to the main interest was the nature and ecology of the site, in particular the peregrine falcons. The history of the site and the tunnels were also a specific talking point. There was a feeling that the football pitch wasn’t needed and more should be made of the nature.

The players
Between 8-14 years. Invariably in groups (of up to 8) they would use the west end of the site to play in the newt pond and cycle their bikes, and the east end of the site to play ‘man hunt’ in the bushes and trees and climb into the tunnels in the chalk face. The knowledge of the ecology of the site was limited, although a few had picked up on the presence of the Peregrine falcons, and the local newt population was a constant source of interest.

The families
All ages and using the whole site. The children use the site in the same way as ‘the players’ although with nowhere for the adults to sit the temptation was to move faster around the site rather than stay in one place. The west end of the site is popular for the nature, the hills for running and cycling and the newt pond. The east of the site is used for the caves but the idea of the football pitch was not popular. Suggestions to improve this space were picnic areas, seating, and fixed play (country park style). The feeling was that if more families could be encouraged the place would become less attractive for vandals.

The blackberry pickers
All ages and using predominantly the east end of the site. Although I didn’t speak to many of the illusive blackberry pickers (of which there were over 20 during my stay), I could see this was a very important seasonal aspect of the site, and the blackberries were huge. (I have been shown the best blackberry bush in the Chalk Pit, the apple trees and solitary pear tree and sworn to secrecy) Chalk Pit Crumble ummm.
Design methodology based on community workshops/consultation