TCV
Connecting people and green spaces
Little Park - River deflector repair & Himalayan balsam removal
An activity with Biodiversity Action Team (West London)
Activity date: Wednesday 10th June 2026
Start time: 10:00
Finish time: 16:00
Activity description
We will be working in Little Park to repair existing river deflectors, and along the banks and pathways to remove Himalayan balsam. This site is managed for biodiversity by LBRuT. 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! The deflectors we will be working on were installed by CREW. 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 will meet in the overflow carpark of South West Middlesex Crematorium. Look out for the TCV van. What3words meeting point:///spill.fired.corn For those coming later than 10am please get in touch with the Project Officer directly. Free parking is available in the South West Middlesex Crematorium overflow carpark.
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 - 10 min walk to South West Middlesex Crematorium or 15 min walk to Mangal Kebab Restaurant (community service scheme, open everyday from 12pm)