Habitats in Richmond supported to thrive and grow
In the coming months, Richmond upon Thames is undertaking woodland conservation and river restoration work to help local habitats “thrive and grow.” Winter means a quieter season for parks, making it an ideal time to carry out restoration work. This year, the focus is on enhancing local habitats, improving biodiversity, and supporting the long-term health of local green spaces.
To help native trees, enhance woodland structure, and encourage a richer ground flora, targeted conservation work will be caried out across Crane Park, Mereway Nature Reserve, Hatherop Park Beveree Wildlife Site and Ham Common Woods. Crane Park will see small glades being created, and halo-thinning carried out to give the site’s oldest trees “space to thrive.”
Similar thinning works are planned for Mereway Nature Reserve and Hatherop Park, where the goal is to reduce competition from “overly dominant trees” to help native oaks grow and reach maturity. Beveree Wildlife Site and Ham Common Woods will see the removal of non-native species and opening up of the canopy to restore rare acidic grassland glades, supporting a “richer mix” of native flora. The River Crane will see restoration that hopes to “bring exciting ecological improvements” to the Mill Road Island area of Crane Park.
These efforts are designed to support the local population of water voles, helping the mammals thrive and expand into new areas downstream. Opening up heavily shaded areas hopes, improve river flow, restoring eroded banks, and planting aquatic vegetation hopes to create a “healthier, more resilient river ecosystem that benefits both wildlife and our community.”
Find out more about the latest updates in the borough’s parks.
These works are part of wider efforts to restore biodiversity throughout Richmond upon Thames. The recently launched strategy addresses the ecological challenges faced by the borough, aiming to help in the race towards becoming a Net Zero borough by 2043. It also will focus on enhancing Richmond’s adaptation and resilience towards the consequences of climate change.
Find out more about the Richmond Climate and Nature Strategy. For the latest information, sign up to the monthly Climate eNewsletter.
For more updates on Richmond upon Thames, visit EyeOnLondon Richmond upon Thames.
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