On Thursday 12th October the White Cliffs Countryside Project (WCCP) and volunteers will be seeding an area of High Meadow Local Nature Reserve (LNR) to create the 'Flower of Dover' - a focal point for this, the most recent of Dover's LNRs.
Using eight different species of chalk grassland flower typical of the area, the seed will be sown to create a floral design with alternating colours and differing flowering times, ensuring colour throughout the Spring and Summer months. There are also plans for a sculpture/seat in the centre of the flower, which will take advantage of the incredible views around Dover - a complete 360 degree viewpoint!
Richard Haynes, Project Officer for the WCCP said "This is a really exciting project. Over the years this area has been used as allotments, a piggery and, most recently, a scrap yard! During the past few months we've completely cleared the area of all kinds of rubbish to prepare it for sowing - it's been quite a lot of work, but the transformation's been amazing".
The optimum time for sowing wild flowers is in the Autumn. Richard Haynes said "By sowing in the early Autumn we hope to see some of the wild flowers coming through next Spring".
The work is being carried out on behalf of Dover Town Council with support from the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the European Regional Development Fund.
For more information, or to get involved in the creation of the Flower of Dover or to volunteer in general at High Meadow LNR contact Richard Haynes, WCCP on 01304 241806.
LNRs are designated as areas of importance because of their benefit to wildlife and people. Dover has three LNRs High Meadow, Whinless Down and the Western Heights.
