Although only 10 miles from central London, Chislehurst luxuriates in 800 acres of public green space. Colin Yardley, long-time resident of the town and ex-trustee of the Commons, explains the origin of these green acres, speculates on what the coming century may bring and suggests the retention of the best features of the lockdown period and the wilding of our environment. A pessimist, foreseeing multiple pandemics, as well as the risk of apocalyptic climate change, he is ambitious enough to see people and nature winning. He has also written In Trust For Chislehurst:The Common and the Commoners, A History and Reformation and Revolution in 17th Century Chislehurst. He blogs on environmental and political matters at therationalman.co.uk