RESIDENTS and school children in Branksome joined forces to help sow seeds and turn a bare earth mound into a floral bank.

The embankment was created at Branksome Recreation Ground in Poole as part of work to protect six open spaces and parks in the borough against unauthorised traveller camps, at a cost of less than £40,000.

Borough of Poole says they are an effective method of preventing unauthorised vehicles on open spaces while leaving them accessible for pedestrians.

Members of Branksome West Residents Association and pupils from Heatherlands Primary School scattered grass and meadow flower seeds on the embankment.

Around 25 pupils from the school’s Gardening Club took part in the project sowing a range of meadow flower seeds including oxeye daisy, cowslip and yellow rattle.

“Over the last few months we have been working closely with ward councillors and residents groups to identify the best way to improve protection for our priority open spaces and parks,” said Cllr Xena Dion, cabinet portfolio holder for a prosperous and sustainable Poole.

“Embankments are an effective solution and once they start to flower they will blend in nicely with the natural landscape of this popular park.”

Cllr Marion Le Poidevin, ward member for Branksome West, said: “It was great to see the local school and residents’ association working together. Wild flower-covered banks will add to the appearance of the rec and should be an effective deterrent to anyone thinking of trying to drive onto the ground.

“I’m sure the children will be excited to see the seed they sowed coming into flower.”