Joined by the Mayor of Saffron Walden, Park occupiers, staff and guests help to plant a new poppy and wildflower meadow at Chesterford Research Park. The Royal British Legion provides lifelong support for the Armed Forces Community – serving men and women, veterans and their families.

To celebrate and support the work of the Legion and to act as a constant reminder of all those that have, and continue to serve to protect our freedom, Chesterford Research Park today began the planting of 2,000 poppies along the main drive of the Park. Once established the poppies and wildflowers will create a beautiful welcome to all that visit the Park.

Proceedings began at midday in The Nucleus – the Park’s central facilities building – with short addresses from the Mayor of Saffron Walden, Heather Asker, Royal British Legion representative Tony Twigger and Tim Howell, Managing Director, Mitie, the current contractors for the Park’s grounds and landscaping work.

The 60 plus guests then moved outside to begin the planting, with the Mayor planting the first poppy plug.

Mayor Heather Asker commented of the initiative: “I am delighted to have been invited to join in the proceedings today. The Royal British Legion is very close to our hearts and this permanent memorial is a super way to honour our service men and women and remember the work they do for us.”