Referring to the term that has been suggested to trigger these reflections, we have been investigating forms of ‘participation’ with otherness in advocating for repair – urban repair, but more in particular, environmental regeneration through the repair of natural ecologies as integral parts of our urban places –  considering and taking care of the otherness that is with us.

For once, we have unwittingly made space for otherness by stepping back, forced to stay inside and out of the way. This lesson has showed us a different way to be in the world.

We share space with this Allocasuarina littoralis (Black Sheoak). B+W, Garden House, Western Port Bay, Australia. Photo: Rory GardinerUnidentified insect sharing another tree (Melaleuca ericifolia – Swamp Tea Tree) that shares our space. B+W, Garden House, Western Port Bay, Australia. Photo: Louise Wright