Projects

Activities in 2023

Native woodland planting

We are working on a new native woodland area, in the north east of the park, next to Edible Landscapes at the Green Lanes boundary. We are planting a mix of 14 native species to maximise habitat for different species. We have divided the planting into six zones using various methods and we will plant over two to three winters. We are experimenting with one area as a Miyawake method whereby close planting will accelerate growth and thereby increase sequestration of carbon. Other zones will be planted more widely. The plan for the area is here. It will be reviewed regularly with Haringey Council as the project develops.

Native hedge planting

Native hedging creates habitat for birds. We have planted: Blackthorn, Hawthorne, Hazel, Dog Wood, Crab Apple. The hedge will take five or so years to grow but will create a fabulous spring display once established.

Deadwood hedging

We do not waste any fallen trees in the park, instead we make hedges out of the dead wood. This creates a micro habitat for insects and also encourages fungi to grow. We now have deadwood hedging in four areas - the most significant hedge creates a boundary between the running track and the bowling green. This took several sessions by volunteers to complete - we are particularly proud of this example.

Hazel and Willow copse

We have planted small hazel and willow areas for future coppicing. We can use the wood harvested for making natural fencing in the park.

Native wildflower planting

We have four ‘no mow’ areas in the park where we are sowing a wider range of wildflowers to support pollinators. The areas are roped off to create wild spaces for non humans and free from dogs allowing birds that are ground feeders some sanctuary.

Cleaning the lake

Volunteers had a wild day out on the boats cleaning out plastics from our lake.

Weeding and mulching the shrub beds

In 2022 we wrote to the council and requested they no longer use Glyphosate in our park. In the early summer of 2022 we weeded and mulched the rose beds and shrub beds. Mulching is a great way of managing wildflowers that are growing where we don’t want them.