Orchard volunteering session, 6 Jan 2024, 10.30am

Sadly, we lost a whole row of plum trees in the orchard, probably the result of the drought the previous summer. However, we now have three apple trees to replace them: a Rosemary Russet, James Grieve and Ellison's Orange.  We will plant these Saturday 6th January, 10.30am - 12.30pm, weather permitting 

Rendezvous in the orchard, by the picnic bench. Please bring your own gardening gloves, but other tools will be available to borrow.   Other potential tasks include dividing up comfrey plants, checking guards and stakes, and mulching.  Email ladywellfields@yahoo.co.uk if you are interested, so we can gauge numbers and let you know if we have to postpone in case of wet weather.  

The Ladywell Fields Tiny Forest--now not so tiny any more

About a year ago a 'Tiny Forest' was planted on a mound in the western half of the middle field (near Dressington Avenue).  A Tiny Forest is a dense, fast-growing, native woodland made up of 600 trees planted in a tennis court-sized plot.  They are not only an attractive location for wildlife but are great for people to enjoy as well, and can provide a range of benefits in the fight against climate change.  Lots of local people signed up as 'Tree Keepers' to help care for it and we met for regular volunteer sessions through the summer months. 

With the support of Lewisham Council, this autumn the Tree Keeper group embarked on a project to extend our Tiny Forest by about 30% to cover the rest of the mound. This involved eight volunteer sessions to double dig the soil, then a day of planting and fencing on 9th December. We have followed the same method as the original, except that we did the soil preparation manually. We are grateful to the Kenneth White Legacy Award for a small grant to cover the costs of 180 saplings and some additional fencing. 

Tiny forests need three years of care from local people before they become self sustaining. If you would like to be involved please email us ladywellfields@yahoo.co.uk.