Handmade wildflower meadow at Devon church highlights mental health and wellbeing

A stunning meadow featuring over 7,000 handmade flowers has been unveiled at St Peter’s Church in Dowland to promote mental wellbeing and support mental health charities. The "Meadowland" installation, both inside and outside the church, showcases flowers crafted from various materials including wool, paper, wood, fabric, and metal, created by community members of all ages.

The vibrant display aims to raise awareness and funds for mental health charities MIND and the suicide prevention charity Papyrus. Inspired by the positive impact of the natural world on mental health, the church hopes "Meadowland" will help break the stigma surrounding mental health issues and encourage people to seek help.

A key focus of the installation is the mental health and wellbeing of young people. Inside the church, a willow sculpture of a child is surrounded by 197 flowers, each representing a young person aged 10-19 who took their own life in England and Wales in 2022. This poignant display is underpinned by the phrase “The seeds of today are the flowers of tomorrow,” highlighting the importance of nurturing and supporting the younger generation in an increasingly challenging world.

In addition to the Meadowland installation, St Peter’s Church supports local children and young people through its ‘Peter’s Patch’ group, offering free activities such as cooking, crafting, vegetable growing, and environmental education.

Visitor Information:

• Location: St Peter’s Church, Dowland, EX19 8PD

• Open: Saturdays and Sundays in July, from 10 AM to 5 PM

• Admission: Free entry and parking, with homemade refreshments available

• Donations: Welcome for Papyrus, MIND, and Peter’s Patch

For more information and to support these causes, visit the "Meadowland" display at St Peter’s Church.