Spring is on its way. The newly planted daffodils are starting to bloom, hazel catkins are decorating the hedges, and birds are building nests. We are looking forward to another exciting year, continuing our mission to develop the Community Garden and wider environmental improvements to enhance our precious green space. Please read on for updates and details of forthcoming activities, especially our Annual General Meeting on 2 April, where we hope to see you to share ideas and shape our plans for the coming year.
Community garden update
Despite three periods of heavy frosts, most of the plants that we sowed in late autumn are doing well. We currently have beds with vegetables, spring bulbs and summer flowers, and pollinator-friendly wildflowers. We are planning a succession of edible vegetables and fruits for the coming growing season. One of the aims behind creation of the Community Garden is the promotion of mental health through social interactions and the benefits of green open space. Beginning on 5 April, volunteers will be meeting every Wednesday at 11.00 a.m. in the Community Centre coffee lounge, before undertaking an hour or so of chatting and gentle gardening — sowing, planting, weeding, and watering. If you would like to be involved in running the garden beds or know someone who could benefit, please contact alexandra.stafford@btinternet.com or text/WhatsApp 07968 105326).
Dead hedge, composting and wood chip area
We’re planning to take advantage of a natural gap in the border hedge separating the fields, which provides a space to put brash — twigs and branches from the pruning and maintenance of trees and hedges. We will use these to build a “dead hedge” to contain green waste from the community garden for composting and for storing wood chip which will be used for regular mulching of the newly planted trees and hedges during their establishment. This will enhance biodiversity, by providing a great habitat for birds, insects, and other wildlife. We are making a start on preparing the area on Sunday 12 March, 2.00-4.00 p.m. — please join us if you can. Wear suitable clothing and garden gloves for dealing with branches and brambles; if you have them, please also bring loppers, pruning saws, or secateurs.
Committee update
Our Committee now comprises eight members: Colin Munn (Chair/Treasurer), Nigel Jackson (Secretary), Vaishali Phippen, Sam Rebeiro, Maxine Chapman, Alex Stafford, Sian Lane, and Alison Jory. In recognition of the tremendous help provided by Tess Wilmot, the Committee was pleased to appoint her as an Honorary Member at our last meeting. Without Tess, our scheme would not have got as far as it has in such a short space of time. She has given invaluable advice in planning and practical issues and has provided a wide range of essential contacts enabling us to benefit from the experience of other community groups through her activities.
Annual General Meeting
Our AGM will take place on Sunday 2 April, 2.00-4.00 p.m. in the Parish Hall, Church Road. Agenda items will include reports from the Chair, Treasurer, and Secretary; proposals for a minor modification of the Constitution to institute a formal membership scheme, and election of the Committee. Most importantly, the meeting will provide a forum for supporters to help shape our plans for activities in the coming year, including community events and activities, plans for tree planting in the lower field, creation of wildflower areas, and to discuss ideas for fundraising to provide much-needed benches and improved accessibility. If you have specific items you would like to add to the Agenda, please email Nigel.jackson@plymouth.ac.uk. All welcome, refreshments will be provided.
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Friends of Downhorn Park 