Pocket Park Project
The Pocket Park Biodiversity Project began in 2023 with funding support from Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, Tesco, and the High Weald National Landscape Partnership. Throughout Spring and Summer 2025, the central area of the Park was again left unmown to encourage the development of native flora. Many new flowers were identified and recorded, with the archive maintained by Speldhurst Parish Council (SPC).
Despite challenging conditions- including extremely wet weather in Spring and periods of drought over the Summer- the park's flora proved resilient. A selection of fauna observed in the central area, along with the Bug Hotel installed at the end of last year, is shown below.
Trees and Hedging
The three Crab Apple trees and one Rowen tree planted in Autumn 2024 now appear well established, thanks in part to several local residents who regularly watered them during the dry spells. The new mixed hedging along the park boundary has also taken well, though a few plants were lost due to extreme weather.
The back section of the Park and the central area have now been cleared and mown, with a designated bramble zone left intact to support insects and wildlife.
Preparing for the 2026 Growing Season
SPC is pleased to confirm a new collaboration with NaturePlus to establish a wildflower meadow in the central area of the Park. Ground preparation has already begun, and the first signs of the meadow should emerge in Spring/Summer 2026.
NaturePlus Statement
Pocket Park Wildflower Meadow Biodiversity Project
With over 30 years of combined experience, we deliver expert solutions with ecological sensitivity at the forefront. From hedge maintenance to re-wilding projects, we ensure every service supports both your vision and the environment.
We specialise in arboriculture surveys and wildflower installations, backed by long-standing professional expertise. We are delighted to be working with Speldhurst Parish Council to enhance local biodiversity through the creation of a new wildflower meadow at the much-loved Pocket Park in Speldhurst.
Pocket Park already had an excellent foundation, and in recent weeks we have been helping to establish a highly floristic meadow, carefully seeded with a balanced mix of annual and perennial wildflowers. This habitat will support pollinators, birds, and many other dependent species.
Our work began with a detailed site review alongside SPC to determine the best location for the meadow. We then scalped the soil to remove unwanted non-native weeds and create an ideal seed bed before seeding commenced.
The chosen seed mix includes vibrant annuals to help condition the soil, and resilient perennials to provide long-term sustainability. A key addition is Yellow Rattle, an essential native plant that naturally suppresses grass growth and promotes open soil for wildflowers to thrive.
The success of a wildflower meadow depends on careful preparation and patience. Once established, meadows reduce the need for frequent mowing and significantly enhance ecological diversity.
— George Dewhurst & James Foster, NaturePlus
In Memory of Alan Ford
SPC was saddened by the passing of Alan Ford in 2025. Alan was instrumental in launching the Pocket Park biodiversity project and was often seen walking through the Park in search of new fauna to record. His dedicated photography and meticulous documentation created an invaluable archive charting the Park’s evolving natural history.
To honour Alan's passion and contribution, SPC has dedicated a tree and plaque in his memory within the Park.