Biking
In recent years the Common has suffered significant damage from bikers who have used the steep terrain for speed and stunts. This not only damages the Common, especially where they have ploughed new routes through the woodland and destroyed the understorey, but it is also a danger to pedestrians.
To address this issue we have placed No Cycling signs at Petersham Common Woods entrances, reminding cyclists of the bylaw prohibiting cycling, though bikes can be walked through the Common. We have also erected fencing to prevent further damage from bikers. This is not intended to be permanent, and will be removed once the Conservators are satisfied that the woodland has sufficiently recovered with its own natural protection from bikers.
By exception, cycling is allowed on the shared used Petersham Path that runs parallel and below Petersham Road.
Wick House
Wick House is the large dilapidated building at the northernmost point of the Common by the entrance on Richmond Hill (near Nightingale Lane). Designed by Sir William Chambers for the artist Sir Joshua Reynolds, Wick House was built in 1772 and has sadly deteriorated in condition. Subject to various planning conditions, Wick House was scheduled to be partially demolished and redeveloped. The Conservators are working through the Council to ensure its condition is addressed.
Graffiti and Vandalism
We continue to struggle with grafitti damaging our Information and Notice Boards
Maintaining the SuDS on Petersham Common takes time. We have had some issues with unnecessary tampering with the system with someone continually blocking several of the drainage pipes. If you see anyone doing this please contact us and ask them to stop the vandalism as it will prove exceedingly costly to repair if the system is blocked and with the result that the paths on Petersham Common are subsequently eroded.
Litter
Litter is an ongoing problem on the Common and we encourage all vistors remove any litter they see. To participate in the regular Litter Picks on the Common, please Get Involved.
Trees - Ash Die Back and Adverse Climate Conditions
Disease has impacted several trees such as elms (die due to a combination of disease and drought) and Ash die back. Over the years these trees are felled and, where needed, removed.
Hot dry summers (such as in 2022) followed by late summer rainfall makes it difficult for young understory trees to establish and mature trees to cope. Tree safety works are undertaken to address issues such as tree limb failure - mature trees transpire (pull water to the leaf) adding weight to weakened limbs.
Drainage
We have placed a floodwater drainage system to intercept water runoff from Richmond Park and adjacent roads. Not only does good water drainage help to water trees, but it creates a varied and sustainable environment and watershed system. New drains are placed under Dysart Rise Path, and old or clogged drains are regularly cleared.
Invasive Species
We safeguard this predominantly native broadleaf woodland by monitoring and managing invasive species such as cherry laurel, rhododendron ponticum and winter heliotrope. Japanese knotweed is removed whenever it is spotted. There is regular action taken to manage against oak processionary moth*.
*Richmond Council may spray parts of the woodland for Oak Processionary Moth (OPM) caterpillars as part of its statutory control of OPM. If you see any OPM, please report it to the Forestry Commission.
Contact:
Telephone: 0300 067 4442
Email: opm@forestrycommission.gov.uk
