Coots, moorhens, mallard, swans, geese, pigeons, crows, grey herons and even a couple of smew dotted the ice covering Regent's Park's lakes yesterday morning.
They all seemed happy enough and some poked their heads under water through holes in the ice. Sometimes I wish I was a bird. That I could perch high-up in a tree or on a tall building. Sadly I've not got a good head for heights. I also shiver at the thought of rain or snow. I couldn't be a bird. I was made to enjoy being outdoors, but not to spend my life 'out there'.
I am no more a bird than Boris Johnson is a development genius. I was never given the feathers, physique or hollow bones to be a bird, and the Thames Estuary has too much wildlife, very determined communities and too much intrinsic worth to have an airport hub for the UK built over it.
I was walking through the park with some senior managers from a global, multi-million corporation. We're working together to ensure their staff and operations are environmentally sustainable. Together, we're looking at ways that they and we can work smarter to bring benefits not shown on their budget spreadsheets next year. Staff satisfaction is as important to them as customer service and future prosperity. Investing in nature and being in touch with nature is no longer considered "weird" or the kooky beliefs of "tree-huggers". It's business. Our partnership could improve London's wildlife, their staff morale and self-belief, while simultaneously improving their development potential.
Our day of clarity is approaching. Not the results of the Big Garden Birdwatch, but the Chancellor's speech. George Osborne will be laying the foundations for future growth and we need tree-huggers, corporate bosses, public-sector workers and everyone of voting age to convince Mr Osborne to use our money to deliver a green revolution.