Volunteers wanted to help plant 10,000 bulbs to brighten up Stanmore Marsh in time for spring
Bulb planting at one of the sessions this autumn
Volunteers are needed to help Thames21 finish planting 10,000 bulbs which will bring a kaleidoscope of colour into Stanmore Marsh, Harrow, next spring.
Over the past few weeks, schools and scout groups have begun the process of the mammoth planting challenge – but now London’s leading waterways charity is calling on the community to finish the job.
The final flourish of installing bluebells, snowdrops, wood anemones and crocuses takes places on Saturday November 26, from 11am to 1pm.
Thames21 have been working in partnership with Harrow Council and Harrow Rotary Club, who have provided the bulbs.
The bulb planting is one of a number of events in which the public have been encouraged to participate as part of a project of marshland restoration, which is due for completion in July 2017.
Stanmore Marsh, a natural wetland, on Marsh Lane, has degraded over time, dried up and became neglected. Restoration work by Harrow Council has created new wetland features and naturalised the Edgware Brook and water storage area to help reduce flooding, as well as providing new spaces for the public to use and enjoy.
Vicky D’souza, Thames21 project officer for Stanmore Marsh, said: “The community has shown great support in recent weeks by planting 5,000 bulbs. The people who join us for regular volunteering events and guided walks really understand that they can help shape this community asset as it develops.
“There’s no better way to emphasise that than by planting something now and watching it flourish in spring. We’ve had several community groups come forward to help us already and we would love other groups or individuals to help us complete. These plants will not only look wonderful and encourage people to visit the area, but will also attract as we look to restore Stanmore Marsh to its former glory.”
Among the groups who have already helped plant the bulbs are 1st Stanmore Scouts, plus Whitchurch and Aylward primary schools.
Cllr Graham Henson, portfolio holder for environment, crime and community safety at Harrow Council, said: “Our parks and open spaces are for everyone to enjoy and it is always fantastic to have communities and volunteers working with us to make Harrow an attractive, cleaner and safer borough. “Thank you to everyone who has helped plant bulbs and for being involved in an excellent project. Stanmore Marsh only reopened in September and the transformation is amazing. I look forward to seeing Stanmore Marsh bursting with colour and life once again.”
The ongoing work to restore Stanmore Marsh is part of the Harrow Thames21 Partnership between the charity, Harrow Council Thames Water Community Investment Fund and the Greater London Authority. Further details can be found here.
The meeting point for the event is at the entrance on Whitchurch Lane, HA7. For further details please contact Vicky D’souza on 07827 852 599 or email vicky.dsouza@thames21.org.uk
ENDS
Notes for editors
About Thames21
Thames21 is an environmental charity putting healthy rivers back at the heart of community life. Through environmental improvements, education, research and advocacy efforts, Thames21 is inspiring and influencing effective and lasting change by working hand-in-hand with communities to deliver tangible and measurable improvements for urban rivers.
www.thames21.org.uk | Registered Charity No. 1103997
Media Contact
Ian Lamont
Communications Manager at Thames21
07739 627667
020 7248 7171