York’s Poppy Road will soon be flanked by a sea of poppies thanks to a group of locals turning it into a colourful and poignant First World War commemoration.
Volunteers of all ages came along the innovative Poppy Road Poppy Project to prep and plant.
With cross-party support, City of York Council backed the scheme by providing two plots of land alongside Poppleton Road.
The land is near a public sculpture commemorating the former carriageworks which occupied the site, and is at the heart of the community from which 42 service personnel died during the First World War.
The council also gave gardening expertise to cultivate the poppies and wildflowers.
“This project is about the community and for the community; young or old, green-fingered or not,” said Jane Lund, project chair.
“The planting day is the culmination of months of work, and is only made possible by the enthusiasm and donations of local people.
“However, this really is only the beginning of this project.
“We have these meadows for four years. The First World War lasted four years.
“This is an especially symbolic memorial, and we want the public to continue to be involved in as many ways as possible.”
Council leader James Alexander and Cllr Sonja Crisp, the cabinet member for leisure, joined local people to get the planting underway.
Despite the rain there was a good turnout, and Blue Watch from the Acomb Fire Service were on hand to water the seeds and seedlings at the end of the day.
- More details on the project website
- See also the group’s Facebook Page