Volunteers are planning a new initiative to help an inner London station to bloom.
The Friends of Homerton Station are looking for more people to help with autumn wildflower planting and maintenance sessions.
“Although we are really proud of what we have achieved overall, for various reasons the wildflower meadows at the top of the eastbound embankment haven't been quite as successful as elsewhere,” said the Friends.
“Partly because of disturbance during 2011 engineering works, we have ended up with a lot more grass than wildflowers immediately behind the railings.
“So we're planning to remove the top soil, replace it with chippings, and replant with a selection of low-growing wildflowers. We could really use some volunteers to help on the following dates :
Sunday 6 November 2011. Two volunteers needed for litter collection and tidy-up.
Sunday 13 November 2011. 10.00 to 14.00. Three to four volunteers needed to help trim back the wildflower meadows, and removing clippings, as part of usual annual maintenance. Led by John Little, so plenty of opportunity to learn more about individual wildflowers, and maybe do a spot of weed identification. Lunch afterwards.
Sunday 20 November 2011. 10.00 to 15.00. Five to six volunteers to remove top soil from the embankment on the eastbound side, replacing it with chippings, and replanting with a selection of wildflower plug plants and seeds. Also led by John. Lunch provided.
The friends are also having an end of year party at the Kenton Pub on Thursday 8 December 2011.
They say: “If you have helped maintain the wildflower meadows, or with fundraising, or local events; if you would like to meet other volunteers; or you would just like to find out more about our project, it would be great to see you.
“Drinks and nibbles from 19.00 in the room at the back of the pub (on the way to the beer garden). RSVPs very much appreciated, though you can also, of course, just turn up on the night.” kentonpub
The wildflower meadows do not have quite the same visual impact as earlier in the year but there is still plenty to see.
“My personal favourite are wild carrot seedheads,” said Sue Phillips of the friends. “But you can also still admire vipers bugloss, clover, ox-eye daisies and a number of other late-blooming wildflowers.”
Pictures: fohs
More information: friendsofhomerton at hotmail.co.uk