Poppy meadows to mark centenary

The council has identified a variety of sites, including those already identified for the planting of wildflower meadows, to transform.

The meadows will provide a vibrant and beautiful tribute to the fallen of the First World War and will also enhance biodiversity as the nectar rich meadows they will produce will become havens for bees, which are in severe decline in the UK.

Areas which have been selected for the programme include Hilton Terrace and Balmuildy Road in Bishopbriggs, Woodhead Park in Kirkintilloch, Coronation Gardens in Lenzie, Main Street in Torrance, High Park in Lennoxtown, Redmoss Road in Milton of Campsie and McDonald Crescent in Twechar.

The poppy meadows will be maintained for four years until 2018. The sites have been chosen due to their suitable conditions for growth of the poppy, which was one of the few species of plants to thrive in the war-ravaged battlefields of the First World War.

Councillor Ashay Ghai, depute leader of the council, said: “The poppy is an iconic symbol of remembrance which everyone recognises. The last veterans of this tragic conflict have now passed on, but it is fitting that we pay tribute to their huge sacrifice during the 2014-2018 centenary of the First World War.

“The poppy meadow will create areas for quiet reflection and contemplation, but also places where wildlife can flourish and thrive. I hope East Dunbartonshire’s poppy fields will become a peaceful, living memorial to those who lost their lives in war.”