Crabtree Fields volunteer planting and cleaning sessions in autumn and winter 2026

The Friends of Crabtree Fields voluntary group will be holding planting and cleaning sessions this autumn and winter, and are looking for more volunteers to join them.

Currently the children’s playground is closed due to faulty equipment, only a year after it was newly installed when the park underwent a £344k refurbishment.

“The playground is still closed but we have been trying to get information about its reopening from Camden Council — as soon as we hear anything we will get in touch,” say the Friends’ group.

Those renovation works promised a new chapter for Crabtree Fields marking a departure from the previous anti-social behaviour and general neglect that blighted the busy public open space.

However, a large part of the lawn — which had freshly laid turf in September 2025 — is also fenced off as it did not thrive during this summer’s drought despite being included in the maintenance and watering contract as part of last year’s renovation works.

That one-year maintenance period is now over, and ongoing upkeep is reverting to Camden’s grounds’ contractor Idverde, assisted by the enthusiastic volunteers of the Friends’ group.

The next 12 months will be a proving period for how the park will fare and whether last year’s optimism will endure.

As part of the Friends’ plans for the park they are also trying to arrange open-air Tai Chi exercise sessions.

“We are still looking for a Tai Chi teacher to have classes in the park — if anyone can help us find one that would be great,” say the Friends.

Visitors at this time of year might identify the mature loquat tree (Eriobotrya japonica) which was planted in the late 1980s and is a striking feature of the open space. Native to south-eastern China it is currently in flower and its delicate fragrance can be enjoyed.

Upcoming planting and cleaning takes place from 10am to 11am on: Wednesday 4, Saturday 15, Wednesday 25 November; and Saturday 13 December 2026.

“All are welcome and please share with others if you can, the more the merrier!” say the Friends.

You can email crabtreefriends@gmail.com to get in touch.

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