Watering at the Rec

As the Rec is a public park, we are exempted from a total hosepipe ban, but we recognise the need to use water as sparingly as possible. It's a precious resource!

Why water at all?

1. A group of volunteers from Friends of Portswood Rec have worked really hard over the past 7 years to restore the garden for park users and pollinators. We hope to be able to conserve at least some of what we've achieved.

2. Drought conditions affect plants' ability to produce flowers, and those that do, contain less nectar and pollen. These are vital food sources for many of our insects.

Our principles and guidelines

1. Water only the garden and trees that need it (grass for example won't be watered)

2. Try to water earlier or later in the day - although we are dependent on the availability of volunteers

3. Use watering cans wherever possible

4. Water deeply and less frequently

5. Direct the flow of water at the roots

6. Turn off flow of water when moving between beds.

7. Follow SCC's advice 'water to survive, not to thrive'

We hope you understand our reasons for continuing to water, sometimes with a hose. We are absolutely mindful that we all have a responsibility to use water wisely.