Bulb Planting Day, last Saturday, dawned bright and sunny after the night’s heavy rain, writes Handel Bennett.

There were ideal conditions for planting on Peak Hill and Mark Pollard, parks mnager for East Devon District Council (EDDC), had arranged for the turf to be mown and marked with metre squares, which was a real help for those taking part.

Ed Harrison, the Sid Vale Association’s (SVA) vice-chairman, and his working group led the planning for the day.

Ed said: “The aim has been to continue the ‘Valley of a Million Bulbs’ project, first suggested by the late Keith Owen.

“The cost of the bulbs has been met out of the SVA’s Keith Owen Fund. This is a unique opportunity to enhance the beauty of Sidmouth, and the Sid Valley.”

The scouts put up a reception tent, ready to receive the steady flow of helpers arriving through the day, the youngest aged just three -and a few could add 80 to that number.

Ian Barlow, owner of Sidmouth Garden Centre, provided a wonderful group of strong young men, and experienced groundsmen from EDDC volunteered their own time to join in.

Members of the Sid Vale Association’s working party, the executive committee and local volunteers, planted bulbs and replaced divots.

Working together with laughter and goodwill, volunteers made steady progress throughout the day.

A further 32,500 bulbs were planted in four-and-a-half hours on Sidmouth’s second Bulb Planting Day.

It was a real team effort from which the community can look forward to drawing much benefit in the spring of 2015.

Ed added: “Planting will continue during the rest of November – in Long Park, Stevens Cross, Bowd lay-by and Stowford Rise. If you see groups at work in any of the following sites, why not express your feelings, and give them some encouragement.”