Digging and installing a 'French Drain' at Crystal Palace Park Farm

We learned a bit more about what a French drain is last time - but the lovely Fieldwork Project team can explain it much better so I'll leave it to them...!

"We are installing a French drain to solve a big flooding problem we have in the top field of Crystal Palace Park Farm. The main task we need help with is to dig the trenches where the drain will be installed. We then need to move rocks into the trenches to create the drain, before covering with gravel and laying down eco grid.

This will improve access to the site hugely. Currently it is not wheelchair friendly but with the drain installed the ground will become much more stable and support wheelchair users to access the site. Further, the work will enable us to build accessible flower beds for a kitchen garden and begin to open the site to the public."

On top of that, this work is being organised by The Fieldwork Project who run horticulture programmes for vulnerable adults so this will extend the space they are able to work in.

It's likely to be muddy or dusty so definitely don't wear your best gear, and maybe walking type boots might be a good bet if it's been raining.

There's a tasty lunch available for anyone who fancies it (and the team usually have a good supply of gloves, but do bring your own if you prefer)

The actual session will be going on 10.00 - 14.00 so do come earlier/stay later if you would like to!