The wildflower seeding of the banks above the moat was a FOOPA initiative, led by Eileen Measey and generously carried out by PCC Parks Department. The seeding, which happened in May, did not fair well in the drought. We had almost given up on seeing any flowers when, last week after the rain, the bank burst into colour. Do go and have a look if you haven’t seen them yet. We are hoping that this might be an annual event.
FOOPA is in discussion with the Marine Officers at Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust (HIWWT) to consider using the Moat as a Seagrass Nursery. Seagrass plays an important role in restoring the health of our coastal ecosystems and has an ability to store carbon dioxide. One problem has been the acquisition of seagrass seeds, so our proposal is that the Moat is used as a nursery in order to further the Trust’s work in spreading seagrass around the coast.
The FOOPA herb bed in front of Nelson’s statue in Grand Parade is flourishing. FOOPA donated and planted herbs that we hoped could survive the salty, windy conditions and poor soil. Most have survived so far. If you don’t know what a particular herb taste like, do have a nibble – just leave enough for the plant to survive and flourish! Watering the bed has been a challenge as the water-bowser delivered water, but with no tap it was an all or nothing sort of deluge. Thank you to the gallant volunteer who did the watering can trip to and from the tap and to all of our weeding warriors.
Some of the Sea Buckthorn trees in front of the Arches workshops have died and will be replaced by the PCC tree department in season. PCC parks provided the plants to go under the trees to replace the gratings. Together with FOOPA members they planted the flowers and plants and FOOPA took responsibility for watering and weeding. Since then the beds have had a mixed history suffering from poor soil, humans and dogs. The marigolds, however, have been a triumph and are still there in all their golden glory!
Volunteer
We usually gather at 8.30 on a Monday morning to weed, water and chat. If you are interested in joining us, send your email to me at: eileenmeasey@gmail.com and I will add you to our group or just turn up – a trowel is a useful tool.