TCV
Connecting people and green spaces
Little Park - Riverbank planting for water voles
An activity with Richmond Weekday Projects
Activity date: Thursday 16th April 2026
Start time: 10:00
Finish time: 16:00
Activity description
We will be planting our newly cleared stream bank in Little Park to improve habitat for the endangered water vole. The project is being managed by Zoological Society of London on behalf of the Crane Valley Partnership, on land which is owned and managed by Richmond Council. Water voles need well vegetated banks for food, and predator avoidance. Overshading is the principle reason for lack of vegetated banks in this stretch of Mill Stream. Earlier this year, sections of bank were cleared of larger trees and bramble scrub and will now be planted up with native marshland species. Wear clothes you are happy getting muddy in - or bring a spare outer layer for the end of the day. If you have wellies, we do recommend wearing them at this site (a stock will also be available on the day). We will provide waders and gloves. If you have smaller feet, I would recommend bringing an extra thick pair of socks as the smallest wader size we have available is a 7. Land-loving volunteers are also vital for planting along the tops of banks, helping to move and distribute plants around the site, and litter picking. Please come with lots of energy, we will have ~1000 plant plugs to move into the site and get in the ground!
Meeting place
We will meet in the overflow carpark of South West Middlesex Crematorium. Look out for the TCV van. What3words meeting point:///spill.fired.corn What3words site location (for those coming later than 10am): ///traps.flown.fell
what3words meeting point: ///spill.fired.corn
Activity location
Little Park -River Crane, Green space close to the South West Middlesex Crematorium, nearest address : 757 Hanworth Rd, Hounslow TW4 5NY, TW4 5NY
Site description
Little Park is the northernmost section of Richmond's Crane Park. The greenspace is bordered by the River Crane to the west, and Mill Stream to the east. The site is a mosaic habitat containing wet woodlands, river banks and wetland ditch systems. The site is designed and managed for water vole reintroduction. A footpath connects this nature reserve with Pevensey Nature reserve on the other side of the river.
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). 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
- Nearest Toilets - 5 min walk to South West Middlesex Crematorium or 10 min walk to Mangal Kebab Restaurant (community service scheme, open everyday from 12pm)