Last Saturday (October 1) 1st Maldon Scout Group Beavers joined the clean-up effort at Primrose Meadow, in a bid to help save it from development.

The children learned all about the history and importance of the popular local green space, which is currently earmarked for a 124-home development.

Zoe Franklin, leader of the Maldon Beavers, told Nub News why she felt it was important for the group to get involved.

"We looked at all the people who were using it, football, dog walkers, runners and decided it is absolutely needed for the community.

"And from the huge public response we have received, the Beavers have well and truly earned their community impact badge!"

The Beavers decorated rocks, adorning them with messages in support of saving the meadow. They also coloured pictures of primroses and wrote letters about why the green space is needed.

Zoe continued: "We then set off to the meadow, where we picked up litter from around the field. We also flew kites - something we can't do at our hut - and chased bubbles!

"All the Beavers agreed that we need to save this space, as we have used it many times before. It's brilliant for looking up at the stars, for our space badge!"

Hannah Cheesman, a parent of one of the children involved, told Nub News: "With so many houses going up around the ring road, it's such a shame that another green space is under threat.

"During lockdown, Primrose Meadow was a sanctuary for us - we would walk our neighbour's dog around it every day.

"What our community needs are more open areas to enjoy - not more houses."

Helen Radnor, another Beaver parent, told Nub News: "This is a much-loved and well-used green space in the town.

"When mental health and well-being is at an all-time low, free, open spaces for us to enjoy are more important than ever.

"I saw the youth football teams, the dog walkers and the children and their parents playing together as we helped our young Beavers clean up some of the litter on Saturday morning.

"Surely, we should be promoting this as a space for residents to enjoy - to be active, to be social, to be outdoors!

"Not just make it another housing estate."

Over 1,000 people have joined the Stand Against Primrose Meadow Development Facebook group so far.

The Maldon and East Essex District Beaver Scouts are looking for new adult volunteers to join them. For more information, get in touch via email. [mailto: [email protected]]

Read more:

• EXCLUSIVE: Maldon's Primrose Meadow development consultation to begin this month - neighbours come together in bid to save it
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