The Palmers Greenery Community Cafe has long been a champion of practical work to maintain and improve Broomfield Park. Since the inception of the Cafe as a social enterprise, led by Sarah Cotton and powered by a team of wonderful volunteers , the surplus funds generated through sales have been re-invested back into Broomfield Park projects, both Improving the environment and enhancing the well-being of park visitors.
Recently three separate areas have benefited from generous donations of £1,000 each.
The Habitats Group is using the funding from The Palmers Greenery to support work on new and existing wildflower meadows. This generous donation will also contribute to the management of the Wetland and Wildlife Pond.
In addition the money supported recent hedge laying projects. This traditional method of maintenance will result in the hedges becoming denser and therefore providing more food and cover for invertebrates, birds, and frogs.
The Lakes Group are using the money to provide two new platforms and ramps for ducks and other wildfowl.
They will be restoring and replanting the floating bio-havens and providing barley bales which are submurged in the water to help reduce risk of algal overgrowth.
The Horticultural Group planted 1,000 snowdrops, now flowering, with 2,000 scillas to follow in autumn, alongside the Gazebo.
Secondly, the rhododendron beds by the main path, previously neglected, will be rejuvenated with new plants and soil enrichment.
Finally, the Long Border, dahlia bed, and Mediterranean bed by the historic gates will receive new plants, extending the flowering season and offering fresh displays for regular visitors. Plant orders are underway, with planting to commence once soil conditions improve.
The relationship between the Palmers Greenery Community Cafe and the Friends of Broomfield Park is a very close and beneficial one. The Friends of Broomfield Park are grateful for the practical support offered to park projects and we always value the warm welcome and warming coffee on offer at the Greenery.
