Wave of poppies returns to Lepe Country Park with added poppy arch to support Royal British Legion in run-up to Remembrance Day

A SPECTACULAR wave comprising thousands of knitted poppies has returned to Lepe Country Park, with the addition of a poppy arch.

Visitor services assistant and apprentice ranger Louise Payne is behind the creation, building on the previously installation in the run-up to Remembrance Day after being “blown away” by last year’s response.

The wave flowing from the Lookout café building and the arch facing towards the Solent incorporate a massive 2,851 poppies.

This is up from the 2,140 for last year’s first installation, donated by individuals and local groups including the Waterside Veterans Coffee Club.

Louise had been inspired to create the feature, having worked as a volunteer for the Royal British Legion for a number of years.

The cause is also very close to her heart as the RBL has supported her brother, who is an RAF veteran.

“When I started working here, I asked if there was something we could do to support the Poppy Appeal,” Louise told the A&T.

“Given the location, I thought we needed a wave, which has been very popular at other locations.

“I thought it would have the most impact for people to come and see and it would spark more conversations around what the Royal British Legion does to help veterans and their families.”

On the response, she said: “I was absolutely blown away. We were getting letters from veterans, saying how much they appreciated it and how much it touched them. It really made all the work worth it.”

Already having an additional surplus of over 700 donated poppies, Louise now plans to expand the feature each year.

She also hopes to beat the 2022 total of £476 raised for the RBL with this year’s feature, which is on display until 19th November.

Louise added: “I would really love people to come and see it and be part of the project as it continues to grow.”

The original poppy wave was last year welcomed by Hampshire County Council's cabinet member for countryside, culture and communities, Cllr Russell Oppenheimer.

Citing Lepe’s strong historical connection to the Second World War, he called it “a stunning tribute to all those who fought in both world wars and all those who have served in the armed forces since and continue to do so today”.

The installations may be briefly taken down in the event of poor weather.