‘Tell me something optimistic about Dartmoor and the natural world’ my friend said.
‘Beavers.’ I answered. ‘Pine Marten.’
‘Anything else?’
‘Not really.’
‘OK. Then tell me something pessimistic about Dartmoor and the natural world.’
‘How long have you got?’ I asked. ‘And anyway, I’ve got a better idea. How about I tell you what it could be like in the future. Positive stuff.’
‘Is there any positive stuff?’
‘Oh yes. There really is.’
‘You’re talking about a work of fiction.’
‘You could call it that. But based on true stories. Things that might actually happen.’
‘Nice idea’ he said. ‘How will you do it?’
‘Research. Lots of research. And listening to people who are making things happen now. Then I’ll make you a map. Positive things that might happen on Dartmoor by the year…you choose.’
‘2050.’ he said. ‘It’s a nice round number.’
‘Dartmoor 2050.’ I agreed. ‘A work of fiction based on many true stories.’
Welcome.
