Green Shoots and Politics

It may be too early to herald the success of our work in February by volunteers but evidence is appearing showing growth of shrubs planted and wildflower seeds sown.

Planted


Seeded


Native


Disgrace


With the elections coming up it will be good to ask prospective candidates whether they are up to the challenge. I see that in Westbrook the choice is from four candidates for two seats. Its either Labour or Conservative or both. The above photos contrast what local people can achieve and disasters from development and toilets for sale that are holding up the road above. Walk on a bit further and you come to the Nayland where another eyesore that has been allowed to be created by the demolition of some seafront shops. Dog poo, broken bottles, fly tipping and litter also degrade our environment. We desperately need councillors who will serve Westbrook and engage with local people to sort problems out like these. It was people power that achieved Town Green Status and prevented another development disaster. We need councillors that will listen and work with local people. I can't wait to receive election leaflets so I can make this very difficult choice or maybe I am just a floating voter who is sinking fast in a sea of apathy.

Thanet Extra Get Confused

This is the Westbrook Undercliffe Nature Park. The report in this week's Extra wrongly shows the green at the top of Barnes Avenue by Bridge Road. I think the clue was in the word Undercliffe. I wondered why their photographer did not turn up on Sunday 20th Feb to see all the brilliant work in progress.

I know that Thanet District Council described it as Land at Barnes Avenue in their asset disposal list three years ago but I thought that by now everyone knew where it was after our long campaign to get it registered as a town green.
Never mind maybe they will get it right next time.

New Logo For Nature Park

Kent Wildlife Trust's artist has designed us a new logo. So things are moving. We have promises of funding for things like a sign, a picnic bench and possibly a few benches. If this all materialises then they should be on site before the summer.
In the spring we will be arranging a plant survey of the site as well as checking on recent plantings. It is also probable that this will include a survey of wildlife.

Volunteers
We are at present compiling our list of volunteers to help with tasks from just keeping eye on the site, ongoing gardening and maintenance to setting up a committee for administration. If you would like to help please contact us on the e-mail address at the top of this blog.

Thank You
A massive thank you to all those who have helped with getting this site registered as a Town Green and to those who helped with our launch and volunteer day.

Photos
For all you wildlife photographers if you snap any interesting wildlife on the site please email them to us and we will try to put them on this blog.