July 31 2014.


Lewes District Council has planted over 5000sq metres of poppies in prominent positions throughout the Lewes District, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the start of WW1. Supporting the British Legions Centenary Poppy Campaign, planting has been planned to produce flowering for the 4th of August, which was the date 100 years ago, that Britain entered into the conflict that would last until 11 November 1918.

The locations were chosen on Council land, in places where they would be most visible to as many people as possible. Sites include Station Approach by Seaford Station, Denton Island in Newhaven, Meeching Down in Newhaven, Lewes and Seaford Cemeteries, and many other locations throughout Telscombe, Newhaven, Peacehaven, Seaford and Lewes. Poppies were also planted in housing estates, including the Landport Estate in Lewes, and Ashington Gardens in Peachaven.

The poppies were sown in May, on areas that were predominantly amenity grass. The “Flanders” poppy is a native British cornfield annual, which in addition to being visually striking, helps to attract bees and other insect life. This is part of a broader project within the District to plant areas of native wild flowers to attract wildlife to the edges of recreation grounds, parks, housing areas and gardens.

Cabinet Member for Community Improvement Cllr. Ron Maskell said: "Planting Flanders poppies is a fitting way to mark the 100th Anniversary of the start of WW1. It’s important to commemorate the people who have given their lives for peace and freedom. As much of the Lewes District is now part of a Biosphere Reserve, making space for wildlife is something that the planting of these poppies will encourage."