TCV
Connecting people and green spaces
Crane Park Tower - River deflector repair & Himalayan balsam removal
An activity with Richmond Weekday Projects
Activity date: Wednesday 18th June 2025
Start time: 10:00
Finish time: 16:00
Activity description
We will be working in the River Crane to repair existing river deflectors, and along the banks and pathways to remove Himalayan balsam. River deflectors are a tool used in the restoration of urbanised rivers, primarily to deflect waterflow to re-meander the waterway (i.e. create curvy rivers). This work creates new habitats for aquatic dwelling species such as the common reed, or water voles! Himalayan balsam is an invasive species that thrives along waterways, creating dense stands in spring and summer, and shades our other marginal or riverside species. Removal is often done in spring, before the seed heads are able to form.
Meeting place
We meet at the Crane Park Shot Tower at 10am. Look out for the TCV van. What3words meeting point:///broker.snaps.honey There is a small amount of free parking available on Ellerman Ave for those wanting to drive.
what3words meeting point: ///broker.snaps.honey
Activity location
Crane Park Tower, River Crane Shot Tower 81 Ellerman Ave Twickenham TW2 6AB, TW2 6AB
Site description
Surrounded by the river in Crane Park, at Whitton near Twickenham, the reserve is a mosaic of woodland, scrub, ditches, ponds and reedbed that has grown up since it stopped being used as an industrial area in the mid-20th century. Crane Park Island now provides a home for many important and rare species and is an important place to learn about the River Crane as it flows downstream towards Isleworth. At the entrance to the reserve is the Shot Tower, a Grade II listed building formerly used for lead manufacture. It was restored by the Wildlife Trust in 2004 as a visitor centre, with an exhibition, education rooms and a top floor viewing area. It is currently opens to the public every Sunday. Crane Park Island is a multiple Green Flag award winner.
Pick Up Point
Contact
Brittany Florence-Bennett
Telephone: 07483050759
Email: B.florencebennett@tcv.org.uk
Website: https://www.tcv.org.uk/london/biodiversity-action-teams/richmond-bat-west
Please bring
- packed lunch
- suitable outdoor clothes
- suitable outdoor footwear
Further info
We provide hot drinks, so please bring your own mug (and spoon). Please bring: Packed lunch & water, suitable outdoor clothes (that will keep you warm the whole day), hat & sunblock, and suitable outdoor footwear (it can be muddy in places). Booking on Eventbrite is required. Please DO NOT attend our sessions if you have tested positive for Covid-19 in the past 5 days.
Site Facilities
- Cafe
- Toilets
- Nearest Toilets - Shot Tower, when open. Otherwise, 15m walk to Mangal Kebab Restaurant (community toilet scheme)
