Meadows created in the heart
of town.
Local people in some areas of Ashford may have noticed a
few changes recently to their local parks or green areas. The Ashford
Green Corridor project in conjunction with Ashford Borough Council has
created 3 meadow areas in the Green Corridor.
These can be discovered at Queen Mother’s Park (Henwood);
Aylesford Green; and in the vicinity of the South Willesborough and
Newtown (SWAN) Community Centre. The project was initiated 2 years ago
when a trial meadow was established in Queen Mother’s Park. The meadows
have been established by removing the turf or by spraying with herbicide,
and sowing with wildflower seeds. As a result of this work, excess
nutrients in the soil are reduced and grasses that may compete with the
wildflower seeds are suppressed. This is an essential part of the process
in establishing a wildflower meadow. The work will be monitored on a
regular basis, looking out for problem species such as ragwort which will
be treated.
Ashford Green Corridor Officer Rosemary Hoare explained
‘ we understand that that the meadows are quite a change from the normal
routine of regular cutting so we have thought carefully about where they
are situated so that they can benefit people as well as wildlife. It is
important not to disturb the meadows whilst they are growing. It would be
useful if people can ensure that their dogs are under control and try to
use litter bins or take litter home’ Rosemary added ‘once the meadows
have become established, they will provide a pleasant and attractive
environment for everyone’.
The Green Corridor Project offers opportunities for
local groups to get involved in local sites within the town including the
Local Nature Reserve. Water vole surveys - any volunteers wishing to help
with water vole surveys in the Green Corridor should contact the Green
Corridor Project. Litter picking - Fed up with litter? Join the Keep Kent
Clean litter volunteers in the South Willesborough area to target parks
and greenspaces. Details available from the Green Corridor Project.
