What is the Lowdham Project?

Ranger CR:

“Lowdham is our home village and it made sense to start there. So we spoke to the Parish Council and to their Environnent Group.

And then we began to speak to the people.
The response has been incredible  far better than expected. We know that many are just not interested,  others are in favour but don’t want to commit so we were looking for the diamonds, hidden among the stones.
And we have already found some!

The plan is to help those residents develop their own ecosystems  of whatever size and link the plots through the village to give us a network of wild plants  coordinated carefully to give the most benefit to the Lowdham environment .
Some will have a good understanding of the Natural World  others may be keen to learn. We will give them what they need to succeed and between us we WILL make a difference.
There are no limits to what this project might achieve, no boundaries to what we can involve ourselves in .

We just need the right people!”

Here’s what is happening so far.

The Crafty Chatters and the Lowdham Cast offs are going to be focusing on promoting the Native Primrose. They will be using their skills to make badges and a postbox topper!

Reception class at Lowdham Primary School will be learning about the importance of respecting nature, wildflowers and birds. They will also be learning about the Primrose and will be producing some art work to display around the village.

Safe sites are being allocated in the area for the Primroses that will be planted on behalf of the people who purchase Luda and the Raven from Jane at The Bookcase.  One book represents a plant for the village. Thank you to the owners of Lowdham Stores  who have been caring for some at their site on Main Street.

Residents are reporting wildlife sightings at their alloted location and these are being logged and analysed.

The village is split into 3 zones .

There are plans to map sites of interest including veteran trees and areas of wildflowers. If people are aware of them, they can hopefully protect them.

Download what3words to join in.

We have done a number of site visits for people who are wanting advice about developing their land with nature in mind. We’re looking forward to seeing how these projects progress and have begun to issue Red Kite Awards.

We held a networking event to link Lowdham up with local nature reserves and enthusiastic wildlife warriors in local villages.

We were kindly invited to stand at the Lowdham Horticultural Society Spring Show. It was a fantastic opportunity to meet with people who have been involved with the project so far,  advertise to new participants and spread the word to other local villages.

More plans are in motion. Look out for updates.  If you want to get involved please contact us. woodlandsos@yahoo.com

We will also be providing information as to why habitat restoration and supporting local plants and wildlife is important. 

Read the article below for information about genetic pollution from garden varieties to native wildflowers. https://redavons.wordpress.com/2022/03/31/are-garden-varieties-destroying-wild-plants/

Genetic Pollution:                                               The Primrose