Where is the Wild Flower Meadow: In the area between Werrington and Walton is Werrington Recreation Ground. To the west of the area is the area known as ‘Werrington Paddocks’ an area formally used as a stable area which has never been cultivated. This is now a shrubbed area. To the east is the grassed area of Werrington Recreation Ground with a playground and multi activity games area to the north. The surrounding area is mown short grass used for informal recreational activities.
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- 1920s map of the Field
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- Aerial photo of the field with the meadow bottom right
What are the benefits of a meadow? Werrington Neighbourhood Council is working to turn the area to the immediately south of the play area into a wild flower meadow. The current area is an extensive area of underused short grass which is infrequently used for football etc although the perifery is used for dog walking. This short grass is not great for nature and is pretty boring for residents too!
The sign about to be installed at the wild flower area
A wild flower meadow creates long grass and flower habitat for insects, birds and amphibians. It is not just a matter of leaving it and see what grows though. This needs the grass cut at the right time and the risings removed,. The turf is turned to give the wild flower seeds being set a helping hand. Werrington Environment Group works with Peterborough City Council to arrange the cutting the grass in the right place and at the time. Leaving the risings produces too much nitrogen for wild flowers so their removal is essential for a thriving meadow but their removal is a particular challenge. Wild flower seeds are sown by turning the turf over to expose the soil to give the seeds a better chance.
WE ARE DELIGHTED THAT FUNDING FROM THE CO OP LOCAL COMMUNITY FUND ALLOWS US TO CUT THE GRASS, REMOVE THE RISINGS, UPDATE THE SIGNAGE AND TO RESEED WITH WILD FLOWERS. THANK YOU TO LOXLEY CO OP AND THEIR CUSTOMERS.
Meadow and Paddocks pictures including some activities
A meadow creates an area of interest and education for residents. It breaks up the view across the area – especially good for dogwalkers. Walking out in amongst nature is great for our physical and mental health. Anything that is done to encourage residents to explore the area more, to come more regularly or to take longer to wander along the periphery paths, is a great step forward. See below for more benefits of the outdoors on our mental health and our Mindfulness in the Meadow project
Werrington Environment Group runs regular monitoring events where there is the opportunity to use sweep nets to identify the hidden creatures. There is regular work parties – removing invasive shrubs, removing the risings and setting wild flower seeds.
MEADOW RECORDING JUNE 2023
Some photos of the creatures of the meadow
Werrington Environment Group have produced two videos to explain their work
TRY THESE MINDFUL ACTIVITIES AT THE MEADOW
Find a comfortable place to sit. Close your eyes and concentrate what you can hear. Notice the differences in sounds nearby versus those far away.
Take several deep and mindful breaths, imagining you are breathing in all the leaves from the nearby bushes as you inhale, and blowing them all back into place as you exhale.
Spend some time walking up and down. Notice all of the different colours in the grass and bushes.
Appreciate yourself for taking the time to connect with nature and enjoy the healing benefits!
IF YOU CAN’T GET TO THE MEADOW, ENJOY A MINDFUL MOMENT HERE …..
Follow this link for a video of a minute of meadow mindfulness www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yih5gRD2t58
