In 2024 we created a wetland to help retain water as part of the wider Sustainable Drainage System (SuDS). This will be a damper area designed to slow the water down and help it to soak into the ground. This will also benefit from new planting. SuDs are of significant benefit to the surrounding trees that are able to tap into the water reserve as needed. They also help to manage the strain of excess water being absorbed into the Richmond drainage system including, for example, discharges into the River Thames.
Hedgerow Laying
A hedgerow project started 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 the whips had matured into small trees and our part time Woodland Manager, Ken McKenzie, taught volunteers from GoodGym Richmond and Ibstock DoE students 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.
We have laid the hedgerow along the road giving significant benefit to our local wildlife – attracting native wildlife by providing vital shelter, food, nesting sites, a natural corridor to other key habitats; and to our visitors and residents – sharing the skill in hedgerow laying and providing 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”.
