YOUNG people from 1st Johnston Scout Group spent their Saturday morning making a positive difference in their community by planting around 1,000 purple crocus corms in Withybush Woods, Haverfordwest, as part of a global movement to help eradicate polio.

The planting session contributes towards the Group’s Community Impact work and for many of those taking part, it offered the chance to take local action linked to a global cause.

The purple crocuses carry an important message. They represent a worldwide effort to end polio, a virus that mainly affects children under the age of five. Polio can lead to paralysis, breathing difficulties and in some cases, death. Routine vaccinations mean young people in the UK are protected, but the virus remains present in parts of the world. Until polio is eliminated everywhere, children everywhere remain at risk.

The colour choice is deeply symbolic. During mass vaccination campaigns in some parts of the world, children’s fingers are marked with purple ink once they receive the vaccine. This is an easy visual way for health workers to track progress. When the crocuses bloom in spring, they will stand as a reminder of the children still waiting for the vaccine.

This planting was delivered in partnership with the Rotary Club of Haverfordwest who supplied the corms through a national initiative, where donations support vaccination programmes backed by the World Health Organisation, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Rotary International and the Global Polio Eradication Initiative.

Planting crocuses for polio in Withybush Woods, Haverfordwest - 1st Johnston Scouts, Rotary Club
Preparing a field of purple hope (Scouts Cymru)

Simon Preddy, Group Lead Volunteer said:

“As we head into Christmas, the Scouts wanted to do something that gives back. Planting these corms is a small act, but the message behind it is powerful. When the flowers appear, they’ll remind us that even local efforts can support children across the world.”

Now tucked safely beneath winter soil, the crocus corms will wait for spring, ready to bloom into a field of purple hope. A simple gesture of care, community, and the belief that every child deserves the chance to grow up healthy and a meaningful way to mark the season of giving.