Poppy tribute planned for field in Staffordshire
It is a field used mainly by people walking their dogs – and has been described by some as an eyesore.
But a parish councillor is hoping to turn it into a sea of red poppies to provide a living memorial to those who fought and died in the First World War.
Councillor Andy Law heard about the same thing being done in the north of England and thought it would also work at the wild meadow by the Lower Lake in Perton, opposite the Pear & Partridge pub on The Parkway.
He said: "I thought it was such a good idea. It's not expensive and it's very fitting.
"It would be a nice splash of colour and a good way to remember those who fought in the war."
He added: "I've had a lot of people say it looks a mess and an eyesore with just wild grass. It's at the gateway to the village so it's the perfect place for it.
"There is no-one in the country who has not been affected by the war and this is just such a simple idea which I think is the most poignant memorial possible.
"Everyone knows what the poppy represents."
The distinctive red flower became a symbol of remembrance for those who died in the war because it was the only plant easily able to grow on the battlefields of Northern France and Flanders after the bloody conflict between 1914 and 1918. Two years ago, conservation group Wild About Perton tried to plant wild flowers on the Perton field, which is owned by South Staffordshire Council, but they would not grow.
The group is backing the new idea to plant poppies there but says even they might be a problem because the field is so waterlogged.
Chairman Keith Elder said: "I think this is an excellent idea.
"It feels an appropriate thing to do and it's nice to mark the First World War in that way.
"What we are looking at with people at the district council is the practical side of it.
"Getting wild poppies to grow can be very challenging so we are looking at the ground at the minute and one of the problems is it's not well drained, it's quite waterlogged."
