Andy Ashcroft
I've worked in local gov't - public policy formation and implementation and am seeking to improve my decision taking abilities.
Location Silverdale, Lancashire, on the coast of NW England
Activity
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Andy Ashcroft made a comment
Very good course, particularly useful during the currently imposed 'down time'.
We are, shortly, to begin a planned refresh of our Destination Management Plan and I will look to integrate a 'data mindset' and data sharing within this.
Thank you to your presenters. I am slightly jealous of the drive and motivation that has been 'tapped' and the clear... -
Andy Ashcroft made a comment
Very useful. Typically we will have tourism businesses asking for 'data' on the local visitor economy. Those businesses lack an understanding of their own data gathering abilities and certainly are unwilling to share 'data' which they tend to perceive as commercial 'profitability' information.
We are going to have to think about encouraging a data mindset... -
Andy Ashcroft made a comment
From a destination management standpoint I think that a common problem faced by the sector is based on a misunderstanding of the roles played by the private and the public sector in marketing an area and its management which has to balance demands from visitors and residents and safeguard the destinations integrity and authenticity.
Where an areas visitor... -
This is a good case study and one I would like to share.
Our destination has a notable shoulder season 'fall off' in visitor numbers, significantly staying visitor numbers. We are actively encouraging the limited number of attractions to engage with the accommodation sector in cross promotional measures and to look at our built assets as a basis for new, more... -
Andy Ashcroft made a comment
Our experience is that there has been little evidence of data sharing amongst the sector partly based on a perception of limited data gathering opportunities, these, primarily, being seen as local visitor survey results.
To cite two examples. A local holiday park, established for a number of years, had a negative perception from a significant number of local... -
Andy Ashcroft made a comment
I'm the Project Manager of a local tourism initiative based around Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland, UK. The intention of the initiative is to develop the destinations visitor 'offer'.
Initial work with visitor facing businesses has revealed a lack of data gathering and use in business planning. There appears to be significant reliance on the DMO at County... -
Andy Ashcroft made a comment
Tim's comment on power is interesting. Is power purposeful and therefore being powerless generates a lack of purpose. A partial explanation, perhaps, of recent UK democratic actions with the 'powerless' protest against those with power. Those with power rarely choose to give it away. 'Meet the new boss, same as the old boss' etc...
Back to the quotes then.... -
Andy Ashcroft made a comment
Adaptable, greener, fairer.
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Andy Ashcroft made a comment
Thought provoking. Thank you.
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Dare I say that real science has to improve its ability to communicate in order to get messages across. Does that mean a bit more science factual fiction? I've always thought that the more interesting questions is What happens the Day after the day after tomorrow?
I've taken a number of CC courses and all have been interesting but all have shied away from a... -
Andy Ashcroft made a comment
Echoing some of the points made. The concept of a TP appears remote to most and so catastrophic that no action is an obvious reaction. The 'scientific language' used itself becomes a barrier, there is a need for a more relatable vocabulary which people can understand and respond to. Take 'risk' for example, most would consider this in an economic sense, like...
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Andy Ashcroft made a comment
Can I suggest that you have the basis of a n other course from the presentation made.
Within a UK context I have been involved in a number of domestic property refurbs and have been regularly confused by, often contradictory, advice and guidance on energy and cost saving measures and probably 'over' inspired by 'Grand Designs'.
There is a need for a practical... -
Andy Ashcroft made a comment
I wonder how much 'nudging' the Victorians needed. Largely celebrated for public health reforms and planning - pure paternalism of softish?
I'm a sufficiently bad historian to believe in the value of cycles. The previous expert/paternalist culture has been replaced with an anti-expert public engagement model which has produced weak civic and national... -
Andy Ashcroft made a comment
I have been involved in spatial planning work over a number of years. Whilst 'wellbeing' may not have been a key principle in shared space planning I would propose that many public schemes are planned to be open access, multi-user etc and are related to underpinning principles, community cohesion, liveability and sustainability etc.
My experience has been... -
Andy Ashcroft made a comment
I have an interest in climate change and as yet have not found a route for effective and engaging public communication. Hopefully this course will offer a better insight into a more people first approach to that task.
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Andy Ashcroft made a comment
Thank you for this section. The reality check is reassuring as I've lost count of how many times stakeholder consultation is proffered as the solution to the democratic malaise and the solution to 'better' solutions.
In principle I have no difficulty with enhancing democracy by enabling people to have their say or become involved in societal issues on a more... -
Andy Ashcroft made a comment
Interesting course, and in a UK context quite timely as citizens are really struggling with the whole notion of democracy let alone the relationship with the EU.
The course leaves me wondering however. Is GSS the missing piece of the jigsaw, or feedback loop, which meshes with the drive for public participation and engagement? If so good! Many have adopted... -
Andy Ashcroft made a comment
My substantive education is pre computer and driven by physical and human geographers who seemed hell bent on producing simple linear models of explanation. As they sought to extrapolate reality in application to the real world they were inevitably flawed. That made assignments easy ~ thesis, antithesis, synthesis ~ but what real use is the notion of...
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Andy Ashcroft made a comment
The paradigm needs effective review. As predicated on a better democracy makes for better decisions approach it appears flawed. Increasing voter engagement with democracy is one thing and barely been attempted. General elections have become voting for a brand of management. Make it interesting, e.g. Scottish Independence, and people will turn out.
Better... -
Andy Ashcroft made a comment
This new paradigm came about as a response to the declining interest in democracy - declining turn outs at general elections.
In many areas the open door policy to decision shaping has been hijacked by the 'usual suspects' those with the time, inclination and personal or group self interest to be actively engaged. Decisions are therefore often swayed, due to... -
Andy Ashcroft made a comment
I love the notion of the disinterested expert.
Meanwhile in the real world I used to manage traffic engineers. Here's the problem. Technical officers are democratic dinosaurs. I've had to explain that on one day the officer is an 'expert' at a public inquiry/planning appeal the next day they are presenting scheme options on traffic calming for the community... -
Andy Ashcroft made a comment
I have been involved in policy formation at a national level and policy forming and implementing at a regional/local level.
In my experience policy options are developed from available evidence bases, stakeholder tested and or piloted as appropriate. Options require rigour, risk assessment and a business case to be considered. Within the public sector that... -
Andy Ashcroft made a comment
This is the second FL Groningen course I have taken and both have been excellent. This particular course is well presented and engaging with good resource material. Congratulations to the tutors.
I came to this course from an interest in climate change and a concern that no really effective communication was to hand to engage public interest/concern. For me... -
Andy Ashcroft made a comment
Clearly winning hearts and minds will be a challenge. If in the UK we are going down the democratic route of informing, engaging and involving that will require significant up front investment promoting both individual and community action. Aside from sporadic local initiatives I do not see this in effect.
I do think the course needs to consider and possibly... -
Andy Ashcroft made a comment
A You Gov poll (2013) recorded that 68% of the British public would support the renationalisation of the energy sector!
Does that represent the societal 'we' ?
Why was Dave's 'Big Society' idea abandoned is it because ' there's no such thing as society', to quote another Tory. Sadly, the latter appears true, fractionalism and marginalisation appear to rule... -
Andy Ashcroft made a comment
Given the scale, complexity and timeframe for transition Govts, certainly within the UK context, need to show leadership, establish a clear vision and communicate it effectively.
Therein lies a problem. The major UK political parties duck the issue and whilst 'fuel poverty' occasionally hits the headlines it rarely gets developed into an effective debate on... -
Andy Ashcroft made a comment
Aside from the work of the Transition Towns I'm not aware of any real collective debate in this area. Climate Change and Energy Policy are dealt with by separate Govt Depts and therefore are rarely mentioned in the same breath. Any concerted attempt to tackle the issue also falls foul of the UK political cycle, where the world ends every five years, growing...
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Andy Ashcroft made a comment
As we are dealing with a societal issue the naïve political predisposition to localism as a cure all is misplaced.
Rarely have I ever seen any media coverage which elevates a classic windfarm battle to a discussion on renewables or energy security. A number of communities across the north of the UK have recently fought against shale gas exploitation,... -
Andy Ashcroft made a comment
A slightly different spin on the spatial clash of the past and the present/future.
http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/14026375.Solar_farm_sparks_fears_for__Stonehenge_of_the_North_
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Andy Ashcroft made a comment
http://my2050.decc.gov.uk/ is a nice model to play around with and explores different options for the UK.
In the national context governmental leadership is essential. This needs to stimulate strategic and local/individual actions. National infrastructure projects ranging from afforestation, on shore and offshore windfarm development, new hydro and wave power... -
Andy Ashcroft made a comment
I'll cite two cases one to do with fracking and the other a wind farm within view from a National Park. Both were objected to locally with some national support from anti or 'green' groups on largely 'environmental' grounds.
These examples suggest that attempts to engage, the public, and promote understanding of climate change mitigation is failing. When I... -
Andy Ashcroft made a comment
My name is Andy and I live in SE Scotland in the UK (for the time being). I've come to this course from a number of similar courses on climate change and renewables. From my experience of working in local government I am interested in the tension between strategic planning for societal need and local spatial planning and community localism together with the...
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Andy Ashcroft made a comment
A very interesting and thought provoking course. Thank you.
Using fiction to communicate facts is an interesting notion and hopefully will improve a general engagement with environmental issues. That shouldn't be a surprise but thanks to the course its a realisation. In a week which has seen the sad loss of Harper Lee we realise the potential of fiction to... -
Andy Ashcroft made a comment
wLife imitates art. The current EU Refugee Crisis is a direct parallel. I'll take two examples from this week with this backdrop.
In the UK, definitely, the media has played out 'caring' to the full. Images of refugees scaling fences and the rise of refugee 'jungle' camps show the 'threats, this is countered with images of recovering bodies from the Med. This... -
Andy Ashcroft made a comment
I've tried a bit of cli-fi as that's the medium I'm most comfortable with. It's a play on spaceship earth theme, a little dark perhaps, hopefully with a smile at the end - the most communicative gesture.
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Andy Ashcroft made a comment
The topic I chose was the developing tension between conservation and environmentalism.
The intervention below was an inspiration and a definite 'wow' moment for me as I believe it sets a balanced and sustainable approach and has the potential to offer that rare thing - hope!
So sit back with a brew and enjoy the You Tube TED lecture by Allan Savory - How to... -
Andy Ashcroft made a comment
The issue I'm reflecting on is to do with Scottish Planning Policy which proposes to ban wind farm developments from Scotland's 'wild places' and how this reflects the culture and attitudes of decision makers.
Jo's response (below) thoroughly considers the issues from a multispecies approach. That allows me to take a different tack. Conservation of Scotland's... -
Andy Ashcroft made a comment
The developing gap between conservation and environmentalism.
http://www.strathspey-herald.co.uk/News/Wind-farms-banned-in-national-parks-23062014.htm
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Andy Ashcroft made a comment
Congratulations on putting this set of documents together. A truly fascinating read - to be reread.
I'll confess to being a sci-fi geek in my earlier years. As I travelled through Manifesto and commentaries it took me back to the utopian white worlds (and jump suits) of '60's fiction to the later dystopian visions (probably why I gave up the genre).
The... -
Andy Ashcroft made a comment
Very interesting week, and apart from forcing me to rethink my academic learning as a geography graduate, enjoyable.
I have no doubt that a revised environmental approach is required particularly in light of climate change. The scientific community has clearly failed in effectively communicating the need to develop a popular response to projected CC. That... -
Andy Ashcroft made a comment
Very thought provoking. The case is made, and manifest, for a new paradigm - one which can be better understood by secular society in particular - not much of a challenge then!
The scientific community alone has lost any 'hearts and minds' campaign in regard to climate change action, in reality that was not the task set theirs was to demonstrate to political... -
Andy Ashcroft made a comment
I chose the Ozone article. The stakeholders are Govt, public bodies, residents, businesses, visitors and traders with HK and its surrounding area. The knowledge systems displayed in the article are scientific, legal but largely political. As a political commentary on the 'smog' the article implies that a scientific, technofix, or legal response could provide a...
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Andy Ashcroft made a comment
Excellent course. Significant given the timing relating to the Paris summit.
Given the agreement reached, hopefully, there will now be a wider circle of people better informed and aware of the need to ensure our leaders follow through on the commitments given on all our behalfs. -
I guess its easy for anyone interested in CC to become despondent. Perhaps it is those with the greatest interest that need to be the optimists as hand wringing gets us nowhere.
I recommend those interested to follow the video link under 3.9 and view the piece by Allan Savory on 'How to green the desert and reverse climate change' as it is both fascinating... -
Interesting this topic is being considered at a time when the UK is becoming obsessed by housebuilding. Doubtless that new homes will be built on farmland, customarily within flood plains - harking back to last week. Are these really choices or is it just political business as usual. While the SE will probably see the majority of development, fueling the...
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Andy Ashcroft made a comment
Interesting that the UK is cited as, I assume, a positive example. My experience, as an emergency responder, is that emergency planning is shambolic. Only after an event is there any form of agency and organisational coordination. usually directed by the emergency services, in response to threats to life, property or potential civil disobedience.
The... -
Andy Ashcroft made a comment
Hello, I'm Andy. I live in Scotland to the SW of Edinburgh. My interest is in CC adaptation and mitigation. I'm looking to develop a better approach to raising public awareness to the impacts of CC on liveability.
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Andy Ashcroft made a comment
Thank you for the course which I found interesting throughout.
The course is well structured and paced with a good balance of theory and practice and supplemented with valuable learning material.
As a practitioner I would welcome a 'what we learned (did wrong)' and 'what we would do differently' section on each practical example. I know that doesn't come... -
Andy Ashcroft made a comment
Very frank comments from a former politician - good to hear but somewhat disappointing.
I agree with a number of comments below - how many would have lasted the course if this presentation was part of the first session? I find the comments made completely contrary to previous sessions which encouraged consultation, engagement and involvement.
Phrases like... -
Andy Ashcroft made a comment
Interesting session. Looking forward to the economics session as that is he more familiar in regard to case justification.
Reflecting back, however, it will be interesting to see if a 'robust' economic case is used to influence organisational approaches and/or public opinion. From experience the former tends to be more achievable with organisations being more... -
In reality I would say that I am as engaged as I choose to be and am prepared to spend time on.
The planning system is probably, outside of a general election, the most consultative tool we have. If a neighbour proposes a development I am consulted and can comment. When a local authority produces a new development plan I can view it and make comments.
There... -
Andy Ashcroft made a comment
Here's the thing. This course has been exceptionally good at showing some impressive and innovative WSUD projects through Australia and Singapore. From an observational standpoint therefore how is the 'system' failing.
My concern with the empowered communities paradigm is that it appears to be reset for each new programme/measure or topic under... -
Andy Ashcroft made a comment
2 hours in and I haven't got past module 6.2. I started reading Liveability and the Water Sensitive City and couldn't put it down. It's an excellent report and very readable. Quite a thriller. I'll certainly save it for future reference.
The hydro-social contract is a really interesting concept.
The report itself is a familiar construct presenting... -
Andy Ashcroft made a comment
Interesting piece. On the down side not all are 'tree huggers' I've had to deal with numerous complaints regarding loss of light and obstruction which have led to loosing urban trees, mainly planted by the Victorians.
It is the right tree in the right place. To link this back to 'streets' how about a planning restriction on new development which demands that... -
Andy Ashcroft made a comment
A very good realistic example. It just goes to prove people are people as the 'challenges' to his scheme ring very familiar from the other side of the globe.
Its a good example of leadership in action. From my own experience and from this scheme I do question the developing 'over consultative' approaches currently adopted. Six years for a small scale highways... -
Andy Ashcroft made a comment
Hopefully we'll see some real examples of the approach outlined - which I can see being applicable to residential streets. I can see the options proposed being tested through new development which integrates WSUD from household/plot to shared space/community at a type of new neighbourhood model.
As a former highways manager I would have been delighted to... -
Andy Ashcroft made a comment
I would question if there is need to further analyse this approach related to the quality of the space or its function, both real and perceived. It is generally accepted the people are prepared to travel further to receive higher quality goods or services and this may apply to green space.
I agree with the approach in general, there is a need to connect to a... -
Andy Ashcroft made a comment
Very interesting session. The practical examples being particularly inspiring.
Perhaps this will be detailed later in the course but is the significant progress made in Singapore related to the fact that their is a 'Head' of Public Utilities and clearly one with a vision and one who can therefore provide leadership.
Did I also detect a degree of 'real... -
Andy Ashcroft made a comment
Interesting session - very struck by the psychology and perception of water which brings the topic closer to my interest which is climate change mitigation.
Find the use of the word 'community' quite interesting. At this stage it would seem to be applied to the public as a whole, city dwellers or urban dwellers etc. As the course moves towards decentralised... -
Andy Ashcroft made a comment
It is encouraging to see this 'leaning wall' research which may overcome some of the perceived problems of green walls.
The potential for adoption of this green technology would appear to lie with the individual building owner. In many respects that puts it in the early renewables adopter camp. Whilst oft presented as heat island mitigation measures I'm not... -
Andy Ashcroft made a comment
Hearing Tony's comments as a practitioner is interesting.
The traditional approach in the UK has been to remove storm water from the system as quickly as possible. This approach is in process of revision through the adoption of Sustainable Urban Drainage schemes incorporated within development proposals. It is at this point, in the planning process, that the... -
I find the notion of a psychology of water quality more academic than real - probably a UK perspective where IPR is the rule. Where the water quality 'choice' is between tap and bottled selling DPR would require a cultural shift.
We are regularly bombarded by charities seeking funds for clean water projects in less developed countries so this reinforces a... -
Andy Ashcroft made a comment
Enjoyable first week - thank you.
To tweak Prof Wong's comment - Its not about water 'its about people'! -
Andy Ashcroft made a comment
What reasonable person can argue with the principles outlined here - and therein lies the difficulty with the approach.
Experience tells me that there are those who understand visioning and planning and will play a role - many are turned off by such high airy fairy ambitions and need a more direct what does it mean for me approach. So they are disengaged.... -
T155 was an excellent example of engagement and involvement. Simple, clear and understandable
including some choice. Much better than UK draconian 'hose pipe' bans which tend to pitch neighbour v neighbour and undermine community cohesion and collective action.
How disappointing the political 'leadership' didn't see this as positive and a contribution to... -
I, sadly, agree with the comment. It, unfortunately, takes a crisis for the state, communities and individuals to work together against a common threat. The delivery of actions towards a common objective are far more complex and if given the luxury of time prone to vested interests and political infighting.
A united effort of the state and the water industry... -
Andy Ashcroft made a comment
From a UK perspective I find the way in which water is 'presented' to the public is usually as a problem - too much, e.g. Somerset Levels, and occasionally too little - where the normal response is to appoint a Minister for Drought. There is certainly scope for a more considered view to feed into the spatial planning and design process to move us away from...
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Andy Ashcroft made a comment
Hello my name is Andy. I live in the Scottish Borders in a small village about 50 miles from Edinburgh. I've been involved with numerous environmental improvement and city centre regeneration schemes and have sought to address a range of issues in planning and delivering these - sustainability, climate change mitigation etc. Given that, I'm interested in...
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Andy Ashcroft made a comment
Excellent course, lots of information and very good reference material.
The balance of the course was a little heavy on the scientific justification of CC and could benefit from more on CC mitigation and adaptation and 'actioning' - perhaps that's just where we are at this time.
I certainly could see a worthwhile course in engaging and communicating on CC... -
Andy Ashcroft made a comment
As an optimist I have to believe the answer is yes.
The difficulty is engaging a confused and therefore disinterested public. A good starter would be to use this course as a basis for a BBC Horizon programme - go for it Tim!
Until there is a political interest amongst the general public our political 'leaders' can continue to largely ignore the issue.... -
Andy Ashcroft made a comment
3.8 - have I been too honest.
Its a useful snapshot. Disappointing that it doesn't pick up actions. I'm currently refurbing a house and trying to optimise the use of renewables - solar panels are in and am investigating an air source heat pump.
Also planning to increase the number of trees in the garden.
Well it's a start. -
Andy Ashcroft made a comment
The NS article is interesting but I sense a degree of frustration with the scientific community. I've always thought of the NS as the place for the non scientist to go to understand difficult science and to get a view on the socio-economic impacts of applied science. This font of understandable wisdom is well placed to engage, explain and communicate CC to a...
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Andy Ashcroft made a comment
Interesting week.
Having been involved with the planning system for a number of years the presentation on Nimbyism brought back plenty of (bad) memories. I can see further developing tensions as all UK political parties seem to embrace 'localism' - perhaps finding democracy too difficult. The problem is how you deal with a global issue by very localised... -
Andy Ashcroft made a comment
I'd encourage colleagues to take a look at DECCs My2050 World. Its a useful tool to play out some of the scenarios covered this week. The topics covered clearly set up many interesting debates to be had - especially within the planning system - and would question if there is need for an urgent review of planning and building regulations to strengthen...
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Andy Ashcroft made a comment
One commentator nailed it for me reflecting that we are 'unintentionally' where we are. Whilst the geoengineering techno-fix looks 'attractive' the socio-political consequences are unfathomable. The greater short term danger is that these solutions appeal to the hollywood 'Armageddonised' public who can sit back and leave this to the scientists and engineers...
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Andy Ashcroft made a comment
Observational studies appears to validate the predictive models which should help in improving the communication of climate change.
The difficulty I see is presenting the issue in a way which people can make an informed response. In the UK we have a general election this year and I've not heard any of the major political parties make mention of climate... -
Andy Ashcroft made a comment
This is a fantastic data source so thanks for the link.
Its fascinating to look at total CO2 production against per capita. Cross referencing that to energy consumption really hits home if emerging economic powers are driving towards economic development and western style consumerism and standards of life. Without further clean energy technology development... -
Andy Ashcroft made a comment
From a general standpoint, if I remember correctly, the Met Office, through daily forecasts, started to introduce us to the Jet Stream a few years ago. This conveyor belt has been made responsible for dragging Atlantic depressions further south in recent years resulting in the wet UK in 2012 and the cold spring of 2013. Fluctuations in upper air circulations...
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Andy Ashcroft made a comment
This is real learning. 30 years ago I was locked into glaciation linked to Milankovitch cycles - so concepts and models have clearly moved on!
Earth cooling (as a result of changes to the normally climatic stabalising interactions the planet cools - speculated triggers are external - reduced solar output and internal - tectonic movement) - Cooling increases... -
Andy Ashcroft made a comment
I've seen some weather changes today, it started off with a harsh frost and there has been spells of sunshine and sleet throughout the day.
For climate change I'd cite desertification as an example which shows an an environmental adjustment in response to longer term climate changes which have changed local weather patterns. -
Andy Ashcroft made a comment
Traffic management is a good example. In a stable state most understand the 'rules of the road', and are advised by warning, advisory and directional signage. Stability is driven primarily by familiarity of those using the network taking familiar routes.
Recent works to a local city centre have involved temporary changes to the traffic network. Despite... -
Andy Ashcroft made a comment
Get the principle. I'd probably be still sat on the grass observing. If the music/video had gone on it would be interesting to see if the group then reached out to entrain the sitters who would probably then become involved as part of the norm.
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Graham, I'd say they were made super-uncertain by the coverage given to 'economic uncertainty'. Given the course we're on the current raging debate around power sharing and democracy is fascinating.
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Andy Ashcroft made a comment
Over a (very) short timescale patterns of behaviour can allow for a degree of predictability. Unfortunately planning and investment takes time to analyise, forecast and deliver economic and social interventions which may, once finalised, be out of date because of other changes or developments.
Just one observation on economics and economists. In a world... -
Andy Ashcroft made a comment
The risky situation of buying the spouse the wrong birthday present. Risky because I'm aware of the consequences of failure - past experience. Mitigation through dropping hints and leaving catalogues lying around. Once item identified only uncontrolled element was the colour. Learning from this is in future get that specified also.
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Andy Ashcroft made a comment
Hi all. I'm Andy and I live in the North West of England. I've spent the last 20 years working in Local Government involved in public policy and public space management. I'm intrigued by what constitutes a 'good' decision or even a 'better' one. I've taken a few in my time and am more familiar with the ones that were less than good. Given my background I'm...
