UPDATE 17th November 2024
The two gardening sessions have now been completed The rubbish and overgrowth have been cleared, the juniper trees (a rare species) remain, and wildflower seeds have been sown ready to bloom in spring. A bonus session took place on 12th November to add an additional 150 plug plants and a bug hotel.
Sustrans have set up a WhatsApp Group for local volunteers to communicate, plan, and share ideas about the station garden, to carry on caring for it into the future. This group will be supported by the Riddlesdown Commons Rangers. Here is the WhatsApp group joining link for: https://chat.whatsapp.com/Ha46OJ6dRH587Th87NdAZK . If you would like to get involved, please do join the group or reach out Ellenie Ariotti at Sustrans: [email protected].
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We are delighted to see the successful completion of two gardening sessions at Kenley Station. Over the course of these sessions, supported by Sustrans, seven dedicated local volunteers came together to transform the garden bed area. Thank you to everyone who took part – and to those who wished they could be there but couldn’t make it this time.
The hard work has certainly paid off! The once-overgrown garden bed has been cleared of rubbish and brambles, and now presents a cleaner, fresher appearance. The juniper tree – a rare and cherished species – remain intact, and wildflower seeds have been sown, promising a burst of colours next spring. They will add some plug plants soon, to enhance the area’s natural beauty further.
Keeping Kenley Station Garden Blooming
There are many exciting possibilities for the garden area and beyond! To maintain the station appearance, local residents can join a Volunteer Group. This group will be a space for residents to communicate, plan, and brainstorm ideas for the station’s upkeep. Volunteers will have the chance to influence and shape future improvements. For instance:
- Information Boards: New boards are in the works to promote both the Kenley Station Garden and nearby Riddlesdown Common.
- Support from Southern: Volunteer groups can apply for annual grants and other resources to support their projects.
- Expanding Beautification Efforts: Beyond the main garden bed, there are grassy areas around the station that could be revitalized. The ideas and input of volunteers will be central to deciding how to enhance these areas.
These recent sessions at the Kenley Station have shown the power of community involvement. If you would like to find out more information about becoming a volunteer, please contact [email protected]
Together, we can keep Kenley Station blooming beautifully.
