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Over the three days spent at Milton Common I spoke to a total of 44 people: those aged 6-14 years (29), 15-21 years (0), 22-59 years (6) and those over 60 years (9)

The dog walkers
Generally 60 years+. Usually on their own or in couples, often stopping to chat with other dog walkers. Predominantly walking on the paths to the coast and taking a circular route back. From those who I spoke to, their main interests were the views over Langstone harbour and the ecology of the site. Some of the older residents were keen to tell me about how the land had been reclaimed and where the shoreline used to be. There was a real sense of pride and ownership over the Common and the main concerns for the place were: housing development; anti-social behaviour in the form of large groups of young people drinking, and the rubbish.

The players
Between 8-13 years. Always at least two together and in groups of up to six or seven. The young people seemed to walk or cycle to the sea front and return the same way they came. They were all very happy to participate and enjoyed making drawings to illustrate their ideas for the common. Once we moved beyond ideas for fixed play (i.e. bigger slides & swings) they came up with loads of ideas using natural and reclaimed materials including colour trails, climbing structures, humps & bumps, mazes, and a bird watching platform. The beach was a real attraction, particularly crabbing, and bike riding was very popular. There was very little understanding of what the site was like before it became the common.

The families
All ages and using the whole site. The children used the site in the same way as ‘the players’ although would usually be younger than those out on their own. The families enjoyed doing things together and were keen that new ‘play opportunities’ should consider the parents as well as the children. It was no real surprise to learn that the weather and seasons played a huge role in how long families would stay on the Common and the activities they engaged in.

The twitchers
Usually male, over 50, solitary, with binoculars and camera close at hand. Often standing very still on the seaward periphery of the common, wearing an aura of ‘do not disturb’. So I didn’t.