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Big Spring Sow aims to boost colour and community-spirit in Exeter

Devon Wildlife Trust

A nature-focused project is set to bring colour and a special buzz to communities across Exeter this spring.

Devon Wildlife Trust’s ‘Big Spring Sow’ is working with local people in the city to create new pocket-sized wildflower meadows – places that are great for people and wildlife.

The project has already planted mini-meadows in five locations within Exeter at:

  • Bury Meadow Community Garden
  • St Bartholomew’s Cemetery
  • The Beacon Centre, Beacon Heath
  • St Thomas Community Garden
  • Elaine Close, Beacon Heath

Preparation for others is also underway with the Big Sow promising to bring a splash of wild colour to communities in Pinhoe, Exwick, Polsloe, Glasshouse Lane (Countess Wear), Bodley Close (Whipton) and Harrington Park. At each local people are set to help dig and plant new patches of wildflower in their neighbourhoods. The results of their work should be on display for all to see from early summer onwards.

The Big Spring Sow is part of the Nextdoor Nature project - a UK-wide initiative bringing communities together to help nature flourish. The project is supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The project was established in 2022 with the aim of leaving a lasting natural legacy to mark The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

Communities participating in the Big Spring Sow are able to gain free advice on wildflower meadow creation along with free seeds – both being provided by Devon Wildlife Trust.

The charity’s Nextdoor Nature Officer is Emily Perryman. Emily says:

“Creating pocket-sized meadows across the city provides a vital resource for our pollinating insects and other local wildlife.

Our digging and sowing events are also a really fun way to bring people together – it’s a chance for people to share stories and to get outdoors to enjoy local green spaces.”

We’re hoping that the Big Spring Sow will inspire other communities within Exeter to come forward. All people need is an idea about how they’d like to see a local space improved and also the enthusiasm to help us make it happen.”

People and communities in Exeter are being encouraged to get involved by contacting the Nextdoor Nature team at Devon Wildlife Trust via contactus@devonwildlifetrust.org or by calling the charity on 01392 279244. Please head your enquiry with ‘Nextdoor Nature’.

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