Habitat and Species Action Plans

The key to the success of these Biodiversity Action Plans is their implementation. We are fortunate in this Borough to have the support of many local groups, individuals, statutory agencies and land managers who work together to play an important role in the protection and enhancement of these species and habitats. The LBAP sets out the practical ways in which each person can play their part in the Biodiversity Action Planning process.

Acid grassland habitat action plan

Acid grassland refers to the types of sward that develop over acidic soils, which are usually derived from underlying sands and gravels, are free-draining and low in nutrients. Download the acid grassland habitat action plan(pdf, 116KB).

Ancient parkland and veteran trees habitat action plan

Veteran trees can be defined as ‘trees, which by virtue of their great age, size or condition for that species are of exceptional value culturally, in the landscape or for wildlife.’ Download the ancient parkland and veteran trees habitat action plan(pdf, 111KB).

Bats species action plan

Bats are highly adapted nocturnal mammals – the only mammals to have evolved powered flight. Download the bats species action plan(pdf, 93KB).

Broad-leaved woodland habitat action plan

Richmond is nationally important for its broadleaved woodland biodiversity. At the heart of the borough is Richmond Park that is a National Nature Reserve (NNR), Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and European Special Area of Conservation (SAC), in addition, the borough includes Bushy Park and the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew which is a World Heritage Site. Download the broad-leaved woodland habitat action plan(pdf, 683KB).

Mistletoe species action plan

Mistletoe grows best in open landscapes like gardens, streets and parklands; and seldom on oaks. In Bushy Park and Home Park, beside Hampton Court Palace, are some of the best growths of mistletoe to be seen anywhere in London: Richmond is fortunate. Download the mistletoe species action plan(pdf, 93KB).

Reedbeds habitat action plan

Reedbeds in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames occur at the margins of all kinds of water bodies and alongside several other habitats, including wet woodlands and willow-dominated scrub. Download the reedbeds habitat action plan(pdf, 108KB).

Songthrush species action plan

The song thrush is a common and widespread species throughout the United Kingdom. Both sexes are alike, with adult birds having warm brown back and upper parts and distinctive blackish-brown spots on the yellowish-white lower throat and breast. Download the songthrush species action plan(pdf, 111KB).

Stag beetle species action plan

The stag beetle is Britain’s largest terrestrial (ground-living) beetle, reaching up to 7cm in length. Featuring shiny chestnut-violet wing-cases, the stag beetle is characterised by possessing large mandibles (jaws), which are antler-shaped in the male, giving them their common name. Download the stag beetle species action plan(pdf, 327KB).

Tidal Thames habitat action plan

The London Borough of Richmond upon Thames is unique among the London Boroughs in extending both north and south of the River Thames. Download the tidal Thames habitat action plan(pdf, 255KB).

Tower mustard species action plan

Tower mustard (Arabis glabra) is a biennial or sometimes short-lived perennial plant of disturbed habitats on free-draining, sandy soils in grassy and wasteland places. It is a member of the cabbage family and it has smooth, grey-green leaves and produces pale yellow flowers on stems 30-100 centimetres tall. Download the tower mustard species action plan(pdf, 77KB).

Water vole species action plan

The Water Vole is potentially an excellent flagship species, whose presence reflects healthy waterside habitats and their associated plant communities. Download the water vole species action plan(pdf, 167KB).