Ziggy Stardust Tribute and Urban Rewilding Event in Kingston: Celebrating David Bowie's Legacy and Biodiversity Restoration
A special event took place in Kingston to honor David Bowie's 'Ziggy Stardust' persona. A new mural of the music legend was unveiled at Tolworth Roundabout by The Community Brain charity. Cows were reintroduced to Tolworth Court Farm Fields after 50 years as part of rewilding efforts by Citizen Zoo. The event coincided with the 54th anniversary of Bowie's world tour kick-off at the Jug Pub across from the Roundabout. The idea to connect the two events was inspired by Bowie's Life on Mars lyric "Mickey Mouse has grown up a cow."
Dr. Robin Hutchinson MBE, Director of The Community Brain, emphasized Bowie's profound impact on music, sexuality, design, and fashion. Ben Stockwell, Senior Urban Rewilding Officer at Citizen Zoo, aims to enhance biodiversity in the Farm Fields through the cow release. The Wild Tolworth initiative, supported by National Lottery funding, seeks to create a diverse habitat with grassland, scrubby areas, woodland, and wetlands.
Citizen Zoo has a history of reintroducing wildlife to urban areas, including beavers and water voles in London. The organization plans to reintroduce white storks to the capital after centuries. Elliot Newton, Director of Rewilding at the Zoo, highlighted the significance of having natural spaces like Tolworth Court in urban settings. He commended the local community for their involvement in the Wild Tolworth project, with over 5000 participants and 2000 volunteers on the Farm Fields alone.
In conclusion, the event in Kingston celebrated David Bowie's legacy and the rewilding efforts in Tolworth. The collaboration between The Community Brain and Citizen Zoo showcases the importance of preserving natural habitats in urban environments. The reintroduction of cows and the restoration of biodiversity in the Farm Fields mark a positive step towards creating a sustainable ecosystem for both wildlife and the local community.