Cllr Le Poidevin with members of the Branksome West Residents’ Association
Residents and school children joined forces to sow seeds on the newly created soil embankment at Branksome Recreation Ground.
The embankment has been created as part of the works to protect six open spaces and parks in Poole against unauthorised encampments. Soil embankments are an effective method of preventing unauthorised vehicles on open spaces while still leaving them accessible for pedestrians.
Members of the Branksome West Residents’ Association worked alongside pupils from Heatherlands Primary School to sow grass and meadow flower seeds on the embankment. Around 25 pupils from the school’s Gardening Club took part in the project helping sow a range of seeds including typical meadow flowers such as oxeye daisy, cowslip and yellow rattle.
Councillor Xena Dion, cabinet portfolio holder for a prosperous and sustainable Poole, said: “Over the last few months we have been working closely with ward councillors and residents groups to identify the best way to improve protection for our priority open spaces and parks. Embankments are an effective solution and once they start to flower they will blend in nicely with the natural landscape of this popular park.
“We are delighted to have the support and involvement of the Branksome West Residents Association and Heatherlands Primary School and can’t thank them enough for their efforts.”
Cllr Marion Le Poidevin, ward member for Branksome West, said: “It was great to see the local school and residents’ association working together. Wild flower-covered banks will add to the appearance of the rec and should be an effective deterrent to anyone thinking of trying to drive onto the ground. I’m sure the children will be excited to see the seeds they sowed coming into flower.”
