TCV
Connecting people and green spaces
Crane Park (Mill Road) - Coppicing the north channel
An activity with Biodiversity Action Team (West London)
Activity date: Wednesday 9th September 2026
Start time: 10:00
Finish time: 16:00
Activity description
We will be coppicing along the River Crane, working to remove small trees growing along the river bank and invasive/dominant species from the woodland. Coppicing along the river allows more light into this environment, promoting the growth of soft vegetation (a food source of the translocated water voles!). The root systems of these coppiced trees continue to grow and bind the soil, reducing soil erosion risk along the river. To coppice, is to fell a tree/sapling at its base (or 'stool') which promotes growth of further shoots. The result is multi-stemmed bushier growth. Coppicing is a traditional form of woodland management, with its use dating back to the Stone Age. Coppicing was originally used to ensure source of firewood and timber. Contemporarily, coppicing is primarily used to improve the health and biodiversity of woodland areas.
Meeting place
We meet in Crane Park at 10am, along the main pathway accessed between 171 & 173 Lincoln Ave. You can also get to this location by following the path from the Crane Park entrance off Mill Road. Continue over the two bridges to get to the meeting point. What3words meeting point:///slice.sailor.flood
what3words meeting point: ///slice.sailor.flood
Activity location
Crane Park (Mill Road Entrance), various - but Crane Park Mill Road meadow is in the middle of the park, more or less. Nearest road is Mill Road., TW2 6NL
Site description
A linear park, following the River Crane from Twickenham out west into Hounslow. It has an active Friends group (FORCE) and in 2011, the local authority, supported by FORCE, won money in the Mayor of Londons competition to improve parks.
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 minute walk to Bloomsbury Pub or Esso garage on Staines Road