Environmental community group gives out wildflower seeds to Lewisham residents
Everything is coming up roses for environmental community group Downham Matters.
The group is distributing hundreds of free packets of seeds to mark its second anniversary and give local wildlife a beautiful boost.
The wildflower seeds are being distributed to local people, together with details on how to plant them to supercharge the spread of British wildflowers.
The new wildflowers will also give a much-needed boost to the local bee population.
A Downham Matters spokeswoman said: “For all kinds of reasons this is a hugely important time for local people to enjoy and give a bit of love to Downham’s wonderful green spaces.
“As our amazing community gets used to being out of lockdown and starting to enjoy spending time outdoors with friends and family outdoors, it’s an ideal time to celebrate what we have and think about the link to Downham’s history and agricultural past.”
She added that a highlight of the groups latest campaign is to encourage people and local authorities to ease up on over-mowing, which destroys areas of natural wildflower growth.
She said: “We’re trying to move people away from the idea that nature is something dangerous that has to be hacked back.”
Set up two years ago by three local mothers concerned about environmental issues, the group is looking forward as Covid restrictions lift to resuming its programme of litter picks this month.
The group has distributed over 100 trees and hedgerow plants locally, organised educational stalls and activities pre-lockdown.
They also encourage and support Downham locals to plant on small public spaces, with Downham Way’s corner garden as its centrepiece.
The network has grown rapidly, to over 2,000 supporters on the Downham Matters Facebook group and a rapidly-growing presence on Instagram and Twitter.
The group has attracted the backing of local MP, Janet Daby, Co-op, which has made generous contributions to Downham Matters’ efforts, local Bromley and Lewisham councillors, Phoenix Housing.