TCV
Connecting people and green spaces
Crane Park (Fulwell Meadow) - Woodland & river coppicing
An activity with Biodiversity Action Team (West London)
Activity date: Wednesday 23rd 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 adjacent woodland. This greenspace is managed for biodiversity by Richmond Council. 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 will meet in the triangle meadow located off Hospital Bridge Road at 10am. This is the meadow located directly south of Lincoln Field Sports Pitches, and contains the FORCE Kingfisher Bench. Look out for the TCV van. What3words meeting point:///during.dots.laying
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Activity location
Crane Park, Hospital Bridge Road Entrance, Crane Park, Hospital Bridge Road, Twickenham TW2, TW2 6DF
Site description
Crane Park is a linear greenspace that runs from Hounslow to Twickenham. The reserve is a mosaic of woodland, river banks & islands, scrub, ditches, ponds and reedbed. This entrance in on the east side of Hospital Bridge Road, just south of the roundabout. Surrounding this entrance are six wildflower meadows (Crane Park, Hospital Bridge, Willow Way, triangle, Fullwell Park, and Mill Road meadows). The meadows are managed by LBRuT, with two hay cuts conducted each year. The Friends of River Crane (FORCE) work closely with LBRuT to manage Crane Park in Richmond.
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 Whitton Community Centre, Percy Road, Whitton, TW2 6JL