New community group formed in St Thomas: Cowick Roots & Recreation

A new community group has been formed in St Thomas to help facilitate the conservation and future improvements of Cowick Barton Playing Fields and Pinces Gardens.

Cowick Roots & Recreation is a volunteer group formed by local residents who hope to act as ‘The Peoples Champion’ in order to improve and protect both green spaces as a playing field, sports facility, community space and community gardens.

Sue Taylor, The Chair of Cowick Roots & Recreation, said ‘Cowick Barton Playing Fields and Pinces Gardens is such a valued area not only for St Thomas residents but people further afield and is a much used and vital green space in the city. The pandemic has had a lasting effect on the community, this group’s aim is to provide voluntary assistance to support fundraising in order to improve both spaces for the community to enjoy.’

There are several aims of the group including working with Exeter City Council and local organisations on tree and wild flower planting, bench and litter facilities as well as the potential of recreation developments to the play area. Litter picking events have already been organised with local Estate Agents Athelstans who volunteered. Ellie Phillott from Athelstans said ‘The Athelstans team litter-pick each month as we love the sense of community in St Thomas, we’re proud to be a part of it. Litter can have a negative impact on people’s outlook, as well as the environment. For just a few minutes effort each month, we can encourage pride and community spirit.’

During the summer holidays Freemoovement, which runs free volunteer led, community focused health activities in Exeter, ran a series of family activity days in Cowick Barton Playing Fields. This initiative, called FREE-PLAY, had over 1,400 people attend and encouraged over 80 families to use the park, motivating them to be outside and active. Paul Mouland, the founder of Freemoovement, said ‘By creating a more welcoming, safe and engaging space and then running community events, we are inspiring young children and their families to be more active’.

The group will be focusing initially on applying for grants and funds to help with improvements for both spaces; continuing with litter picking and encouraging all park users to love and take care of their green spaces as well as meeting with Exeter City Council on potential future wild flower and tree planting opportunities.

If anybody is interested in volunteering for Cowick Roots & Recreation or businesses are interested in being involved they can contact the group by visiting their Facebook page or emailing cowickrootsandrecreation@gmail.com