PEOPLE have been pulling together to try to keep young trees alive as the Downend area’s parks and open spaces struggle through drought conditions.
Council workers have been watering street trees and recently-planted woodlands, as the region’s water supplier urges residents to use water “wisely” and firefighters warn about the risks of lighting any open flames outdoors.
A drought was officially declared in the region by the Environment Agency at the end of July, after the Bristol area received only 1% of its expected average monthly rainfall.
As the hot, dry conditions continued into August, the Downend area’s green spaces turned yellow, with plant life showing the effects of the heat.
Among the trees struggling are more than 20, including limes and beech, planted in Hill House Park last year.
Leaves on some turned brown, while others responded to watering – but even some of the older, more established trees in the park had yellowing leaves by the middle of August.
Friends of Hill House Park members organised an effort to water the trees, with some neighbours offering the use of taps and containers to the volunteers.
Friends secretary Tracey Horton said: “We have been doing what we can, regularly taking water to the park and giving the newest planting some much-needed attention.
“We’re seeing encouraging signs. Dandelions and other growth are appearing around some of the trees we’ve been watering — a small reminder that every drop counts.
“But Hill House Park is a big space, and we need more helping hands. If you’re walking the park, why not bring a bottle or watering can and give a young tree or hedge a drink? It takes just a few minutes and could make all the difference.”
Tracey said the park’s trees and hedges will need care “for years to come”. The group is looking for more people to help look after them – anyone interested can contact friendsofhillhousepark@gmail.com.
Trees have also started to turn yellow in nearby Page Park, where a group of around seven volunteers has been watering the sensory garden over the summer.
Friends of Page Park vice-chair Steph Purser said: “Some trees are struggling, and not just in the park.
“When people see a new tree outside their house it would be lovely if they could take a bit of responsibility and put some water on it.
“We’ve had to up our watering rota. We don’t waste it – we just want to keep the plants alive.
“It has been interesting to see some plants in the sensory garden thriving – we’ll be looking in future to see what will and won’t grow in these conditions.”
The Friends of Page Park are also looking for volunteers. Email friendsofpageparkbs16@gmail.com to get involved.
Other usually-green spaces, including King George V playing fields and Rodway Common, have also turned yellow.
A South Gloucestershire Council spokesperson said: “Due to the prolonged periods of extremely hot weather this summer, our StreetCare team has increased the frequency of watering flower beds, planters and hanging baskets across our parks, open spaces and town centres.
“We have had to undertake additional watering of some street trees planted two or more years ago and have also started watering at recently planted woodland sites, due to the extremely dry conditions.
“The hot weather has also slowed grass growth, with many sports pitches and grassland areas becoming dormant until wetter conditions return.”
Use water wisely
After the drought was declared, Bristol Water called on residents to help reduce domestic water usage by: taking “four-minute” showers; turning off taps while brushing teeth; only using washing machines and dishwashers with full loads; using watering cans instead of hoses; watering gardens in the early morning or late evening; keeping a jug of drinking water in the fridge instead of running the tap until it’s cold; checking for drips or leaks around the home.
The company has not introduced a hosepipe ban but says there is “exceptionally high demand” for around 40 million litres of extra drinking water per day across the region.
General manager of drinking water services Richard Stanbrook said: “Our teams are working around the clock to move water around the area, bring in supplies from areas under less pressure, and maximise production at our treatment works.
“We all need to use water wisely in these extreme conditions, and small changes can make a big difference.”
As the government banned the sale of disposable barbecues in August, Avon Fire & Rescue Service issued advice to avoid the risk of starting fires outside.
A spokesperson said firefighters had attended 397 fires involving grassland, woodland or crops since the start of June, 111 of them in South Gloucestershire.
Some have started accidentally while others, including two on the Oldbury Court estate in Fishponds on July 31 and August 10, were started deliberately.
The service is advising people to avoid lighting any open fires or flames during the dry spell, not to throw lit cigarettes from cars or into grass and to keep lighters and matches away from vegetation.
Area manager Steve Quinton said: “With the hot and dry conditions we’re experiencing, even the smallest spark can lead to a fast spreading fire.”