Council cut down wildflower garden in Knowle Hill

Knowle Hill residents Dorothy and Barry Blackman say they are devastated after their lockdown project was destroyed on May 19.

Barry, 83, started the mini wildflower meadow with his son during lockdown in 2021.

Although he was using council land, the pair claim they had no issues with the council about the meadow previously.

The wildflower meadow in Knowle Hill before it was mowed by the council

He said: “We had a good show of flowers there last year and we had no problems. It had been fine until last Thursday.”

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The meadow, which had been created from scratch by Barry himself, attracted lots of attention from residents.

Dorothy, 78, said: “Barry worked hard and did everything to make it really great. He planted all the seeds, which he paid for himself.

“It was beautiful. Last year we had lots of people down and see it.

“Barry even made a sign. It was lovely.”

She has since said the decision to cut it down was “totally unnecessary.”

Dorothy said: “It is council land but it is not used at all.

“It was devastating, especially as it was such a show last year.

The wildflower meadow in Knowle Hill after it was mowed by the council

“I can’t think how somebody, especially contractors who work in the environment, thought they should cut this down.

“It was really disappointing and totally unnecessary. The council needs to realise they shouldn’t do these things.”

Eastleigh Borough Council has since apologised for the upset caused.

A spokesperson said: “We were unaware that planting had taken place on this patch of council land at Knowle Hill, which is why it was on our schedule to be mown.

“We have now added it to our do not cut list which should allow the flowers to re-establish.

“Our message to residents is to please get permission from the council first before planting on our land, as this can help determine whether the site is suitable.

“Planting isn’t always possible as, for example, safety issues relating to visibility can mean that the area does need to be regularly cut.”