Friends of Mapledurham Playing Fields

Mapledurham Playing Fields are situated in Caversham Heights, just off Upper Woodcote Road. Although a significant portion of the site is devoted to sports facilities, there are areas of rough grassland boarded by wildflowers and a regenerated woodland consisting mainly of field maple, elm, and oak. At the edge of the woodland, you’ll find an ancient boundary bank. In 2010, a community orchard was planted on the site.

The Friends of Mapledurham Playing Fields, established in 1999 and now part of Econet, organise monthly volunteer tasks, typically on the third Saturday of each month from September to April. These sessions meet at the Community Orchard near the Chazey Road entrance.

The woodland still contains many of the original apple trees alongside other native species like oak, ash, hawthorn, hazel, wild privet, spindle, and elder. However, there are some invasive species, such as sycamore, maple, and ivy. The area feels overcrowded, dark, and lacks biodiversity, and the old apple trees are in poor condition.

The Friends of Mapledurham Playing Fields are working to improve the health of these veteran fruit trees by creating more space and light for them, removing some of the invasive species. It will take a few years for the trees to recover, and pruning will be necessary down the line. These apple trees are an important part of the woodland’s history, enhance wildlife diversity, and provide valuable blossoms for pollinators and fruit for birds and mammals. By giving them the care they need, we can ensure they continue to contribute to the site’s beauty and ecological health.

The Friends of Mapledurham Playing Fields have also been given some native tree species to plant alongside the North Entrance of the playing fields, next to the school perimeter fence.  This initiative will form the foundation a flower and shrub bed outside the school.

New volunteers are always welcome. There’s no need to commit to regular attendance – you can join tasks whenever you’re available, or even for part of a task. No experience is required, training will be provided and task leaders are always on hand to offer guidance as necessary, and tools and gloves will be supplied.

Volunteers under the age of 18 years can only participate in Econet activities if accompanied by an appropriate adult (parent, guardian, social worker, teacher, etc.) responsible for their wellbeing and behaviour.

If you’re interested in volunteering with Friends of Mapledurham Playing Fields, please complete our registration form or contact Barbara Garden.

Upcoming Tasks