Watering thirsty young trees in Ladywell Fields

If you're looking for a refreshing way to spend a May evening then this cool task – buckets and river dipping will be involved! – could be just what you need. The team of volunteers who help look after beautiful Ladywell Fields will be meeting to water recently planted saplings to ensure they continue growing strong during dry weather.

We will start with the youngest fruit trees in the community orchard then move on to Black Poplar saplings along the banks of the River Ravensbourne. This water-loving native species used to be a common sight beside England’s rivers and the largest Black Poplar in Ladywell Fields is reckoned to be at least 135 years old. Changes in land usage nationally have meant the species has become relatively rare, so efforts are being made to reintroduce Black Poplars here and in other sites where conditions are ideal for the trees to thrive – contributing to biodiversity restoration and carbon capture.

Watering will start at the southern end of Ladywell Fields, near Iona Close, where the river runs beside the children's play area.