Water Management and a Sustainable Drainage System
Water management is a critical aspect of our maintenance programme as the woodland catches not just rainfall but also significant run-off from Richmond Hill.  We have a networked drainage system helping to direct and slow the water flow through the woodland and improving water's ability to soak into the ground.  This system benefits the trees and helps us to enhance the natural habitat.  It also helps us reduce erosion of the paths and manage the flow of water into the borough's highway drainage systems.  
In 2024 we established a natural swale (a very shallow damp pond area) near the bottom of Dysart Rise Path to create a seasonal wetland area.  This was achieved with the help of members of the GoodGym as well as Ibstock School's Duke of Edinburgh students.  It is lined with Richmond Hill clay.  It helps us to retain water as part of the wider Sustainable Drainage System (SuDS) and will benefit from new planting.  SuDs are of significant benefit to the surrounding trees that are able to tap into the water reserve as needed.  
Hedgerow Laying
We initiated a hedgerow laying project during the winter of 2016/17 when 3,000 native tree whips were planted along the Star and Garter Hill Road.  This was achieved with the help of the Deutsch Schule London, the Russell School, and Ibstock School Duke of Edinburgh (DoE) Award students.
In 2023, once the whips had matured into small trees, our part time Woodland Manager taught volunteers the heritage skill of traditional hedgerow laying.  Using locally sourced sweet chestnut posts and binders of willow, lime, ash, alder, and hazel they wove the small trees into place to support the trees as they mature.
This hedgerow gives significant benefit to our local wildlife – attracting native wildlife by providing vital shelter, food, nesting sites, and a natural corridor to other key habitats.  It also benefits our community as we share the skill in hedgerow laying as well as provide a natural and beautiful aesthetic along the Star and Garter Hill Road.
Hedgerows traditionally defined and enclosed fields for stock but have been increasingly lost with modern farming including fencing.  
We hope that you agree that this is a beautiful enhancement to the side of a busy “A Road”.