SWANLEY and DISTRICT ENVIRONMENT GROUP

All about Us....

Swanley Town Council wanted to mark the Millennium in a permanent way, and it was decided that an Environmental Area for the local community to enjoy would be an innovative addition to the Parish. Thus, a small parcel of land at the top of Swanley Park was set aside in 2000.

Advice was sought from BTVC and North West Kent Countryside Project about suitable wildflower plants, trees and shrubs to attract wildlife to the area. In Spring 2001 the scheme started with over 40 volunteers helping to plant 1 400 wild flower plug plants and 25 trees and shrubs. Following this initial planting, volunteers formed the Swanley and District Environment Group and have continued work in the environmental area since 2001, adding new hedge areas, planting many trees, creating habitats, mulching trees and hedges and most recently making bird boxes for the area

The group has joined BTCV and have regular working parties through the year to further their work. Children including local Cub and Brownie groups have had fun identifying trees, birds and flowers in the area and helping out.  We have achieved awards for our work in the community.

The group has also undertaken environmental community work within the parish. Examples are Churchyard clearance at St Mary’s Church, Swanley and St Paul’s Church, Swanley Village. The group are planning to assist The Parents Consortium in Hextable in the development of a sensory garden for children with disabilities.

The group have arranged an itinerary of events for 2009 which can be accessed on this website. If you would like to come along to take part in any of the activities, then please contact towncouncil@swanley.org.uk or phone 01322 665855 during office hours.