TCV
Connecting people and green spaces
Little Park - Wetland bramble removal, dead hedging & planting
An activity with Richmond Weekday Projects
Activity date: Wednesday 22nd April 2026
Start time: 10:00
Finish time: 16:00
Activity description
We will be working in Little Park to protect the wetland ditches, maintaining water vole habitat for the population released on site. PLEASE NOTE we might need to use this session to complete any riverbank planting left over from the ZSL project taking place on Thursday 16th April. Brambles very quickly take over a site, so it's important we remove any runners starting to grow within and across the wetland ditches. We are also looking to reinforce and extend the dead hedges onsite to reduce disturbance of the wetland area. Water voles need well vegetated banks for food, and predator avoidance. Overshading is the principle reason for lack of vegetated banks in Little Park. The PLANTING 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. Earlier this year, sections of bank along the Mill Stream 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 need to get the remainder of the wetland plant plugs in the ground (total planned for the site is 1000 plants!)!
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): ///hogs.spins.lobby
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)