The first time I met Paul from Sydenham Meadow Mania, I realised that he was a doer! The first time I met Raphaelle while door-knocking, I realised she too was a doer!

They connected via the committee meetings for Leamington Hedgehog Community and have subsequently helped run the hedgehog stall at the Nature Patchwork event together and, more recently, have transformed the alleyway under Black Bridge that connects Brunswick with Sydenham. 

Previously, a number of residents had complained to me about all the rubbish and sharps in that area, saying they didn’t feel safe walking through there. Paul and Raphaelle have worked hard every Thursday to clear the area of fly-tipping and other rubbish, digging over some very tough ground and planting the area up with attractive plants that are now in bloom, and will look even better next year. 

They made such a good job of it, they were on the itinerary for Leamington in Bloom and the judges completely overstayed their allotted time.  Well done Paul and Raphaelle! 

Paul, Raphaelle and other members of Sydenham Meadow Mania have been doing monthly litter picks in Sydenham and their efforts have been noted by ASDA and by Campion School, who wrote a complimentary article about them in their newsletter. 

The area has long been plagued by litter. While doing the litter picks, many residents stop to say how much they appreciate what we are doing. 

To get involved in any of their projects, contact Paul at sydenhammeadowmania@gmail.com