From childhood trips to the sweet shop to familiar faces behind the counter, Britain's high streets hold a special place in our memories. Now, a nationwide research project wants to discover what they mean to us - and how those memories could help shape their future.
Think back to the high street you knew growing up. Perhaps it was the smell of freshly baked bread, the excitement of spending your pocket money, or the shopkeeper who knew everyone by name.
For generations, Britain's high streets have been more than somewhere to buy things. They've been places to meet friends, catch up on local gossip, discover something new and feel part of a community.
But as shopping habits change and familiar shops disappear, what are we really losing? And what would we like our high streets to become?
That's what a new nationwide research project hopes to find out.
Putting People's Stories at the Heart of the High Street
The project brings together The Poetry Pharmacy, founded by poet and author Deborah Alma, and Fieldstory, a York-based research consultancy founded by social psychologist Dr Sarah Smith.
Together, they're inviting people from across the UK to share their memories, experiences and hopes for Britain's high streets.
Deborah's own experiences span three very different shopping destinations: the small Shropshire town of Bishop's Castle, London's bustling Oxford Street and the historic streets of York.
She's also witnessed the power of communities working together through the Bishop's Castle Is Open initiative, which celebrates and supports the town's independent businesses.
The researchers want to understand the little things that make a high street special - the everyday conversations, familiar faces, favourite shops and chance encounters that help turn a collection of buildings into a community.
And importantly, this isn't simply an exercise in nostalgia.
The team wants to explore what those memories reveal about what people need from their high streets today, and what could make them better places tomorrow.
Ten Minutes Could Help Shape the Future
Whether you grew up in a bustling city, a seaside town or a small rural community, your experiences could help paint a picture of what Britain's high streets mean to the people who use them.
The survey is open to anyone aged 18 or over living in the UK and takes approximately 10 minutes to complete.
Participants can also choose to enter a prize draw for a £50 Poetry Pharmacy gift card.
The findings will be brought together in a free, accessible report, helping communities, businesses and organisations better understand what people value about their local high streets.
Why This Is Good for Britain 🇬🇧
Britain's high streets have always been about more than shopping. They're part of our shared heritage, local identity and community life.
While much of the debate about their future focuses on empty shops and declining footfall, this project puts something equally important at the centre of the conversation: the people who use them.
By listening to communities across the country, we have an opportunity to understand what makes our high streets worth protecting, what needs to change and how they might once again become thriving places where people want to spend time.
And the best part? Everyone has a story worth sharing.
Have your say: Take the High Street Stories survey - it takes around 10 minutes, and you could win a £50 Poetry Pharmacy gift card.
