Rotary and Community Partners Plant Trees and Bulbs for Polio Eradication and Local Environment

Welwyn Garden City, Thursday 20th November – The Welwyn Garden City Rotary Club, alongside dedicated community partners, successfully completed a major planting initiative along the verges of Stanborough Road. The event combined environmental enhancement with a powerful visual reminder of Rotary’s global effort to eradicate polio.

A Unified Effort for Community and Health

The project was executed through the generous support and hard work of several local contributors:

• Stanborough School: Students volunteered their time and were led by Dr Sharron Jolly, the school's Eco School Leader.

• Green Skills Training Academy: Valuable expertise was provided by David Cook, Head of the Academy.

• Panshanger Park Staff: Their support and knowledge were instrumental in the planting process.

Supporting Biodiversity and the Environment

In addition to the symbolic crocus bulbs, the team planted native trees and hedgerow packs. These crucial materials, which enhance local biodiversity and wildlife corridors, were generously donated by The Woodland Trust.

Furthermore, we extend our sincere gratitude to Maydencroft for donating the essential supporting materials, including the mulch, protective sleeves, and tree stakes.

The Power of Purple: The End Polio Now Campaign

The centrepiece of the planting was the purple crocus bulb. This small flower serves as a global emblem for Rotary’s End Polio Now initiative.

• The Symbolism: The purple colour mirrors the dye used to mark the little finger of a child who has received the polio vaccine, ensuring complete coverage in immunisation campaigns.

The successful planting of these bulbs is a vibrant, visible commitment to finishing the fight against this disease.

Polio: Finishing the 99.9% Fight

Rotary, alongside its partners, has achieved phenomenal success:

• Since 1988, polio cases have been reduced by 99.9%.

• Over 3 billion children have been immunised.

• More than £2.5 billion has been invested in this global public health effort.

Polio remains endemic in only two countries, but global health experts agree that the effort must be completed to prevent a potentially devastating resurgence.

How You Can Help Us Achieve a Polio-Free World

Rotary’s fundraising efforts for polio are currently supported by a key partnership: every £1 raised is TREBLED by the generous matching contribution from The Gates Foundation.

You can join the fight and maximise your impact by donating today: https://rotaryfoundationgbi.beaconforms.com/form/918772a4..