Latest parks updates

We undertake a continual programme of work to enhance our parks and open spaces.

View the latest parks update for most recent projects carried out.

Lower Crane Valley Management Plan

We are pleased to announce the publication of the Lower Crane Valley Management Plan. It sets out, subject to funding, an initial five-year programme for large scale improvements to the biodiversity and community value of the Crane Valley in Richmond.

We have worked closely with local community groups, including Friends of the River Crane Environment (FORCE), to produce this plan.

Read the Lower Crane Valley Management Plan.

Customer Satisfaction Survey

Our Parks Customer Satisfaction Survey has found that 93% of residents are happy with the parks services in the borough.

This survey takes place every two years and aims to assess overall satisfaction with local parks and highlight any areas for improvement.

The 2023 survey found that Council-managed parks and open spaces in the borough continue to operate to a high standard with a general satisfaction among residents of 93%.

Significantly, 94% of respondents rated the ease of access in parks as excellent, good or satisfactory while 90% of respondents said they felt safe in our parks.

Read the full 2023 Parks Customer Satisfaction Survey.

Project updates

Summary of projects for 2022-2023: Completed projects (pdf, 152 KB)

East Sheen woodland management winter 2024

Year one of the new East Sheen Common Management Plan is about to start with some selective tree thinning and removal as well as removal of non native species.

Patches of Laurel and Bamboo are evolved since the site was a former allotment site and they are now preventing native woodland species from establishing. There will also be some important tree lifting and removal work around the wetland areas; allowing much needed light to get the water and its marginal areas. This will encourage the marginal vegetation to grow providing important food, shelter, and commuting habitat for our amphibians and reptiles.

Find out more information about the East Sheen common woodland works and view a map of the conservation area.

Ham Pond to get a new look for 2024

Exciting repair works for Ham Pond Island will be starting on Monday 22 January 2024.

Repairs are being carried out to the north end of the pond (towards Petersham Road) where the erosion has been worse and significantly decreased the size of the island.

A new revetment structure will be installed using scaffolding with wire mesh and planted coir rolls, backfilled with natural stone and a layer of soil on the top so that the vegetation can take and develop naturally. The trees will be coppiced to facilitate the works.

All works have been agreed with the Friends of Ham Pond and the Ham and Petersham Association and Amenities Group. The HPAAG are kindly supporting this project with a donation and have arranged a GoFundMe page. We are very grateful for their support. 
 
The works are envisaged to take between 1 and 2 weeks, weather dependent and will be ready for the start of bird nesting season.

Little Park project

We reflect upon the success of the river and wetland restoration project at Little Park, along with the challenges faced and the value of partnership working. 

You can read more about the Little Park project and the restoration work being carried out there.

Pond management works at Kew Pond

We have commissioned essential habitat management works at Kew Pond.

The works will involve partial removal of the common reed and flag iris. This vegetation spreads very rapidly in the shallow nutrient rich water, so periodic intervention is required to prevent the progressive succession of vegetation into the open water areas. Habitat will be retained for the many wildfowl and invertebrates that are found at the pond. 

To facilitate the works, the pond will be temporarily drained down, and parking bays adjacent to the entrance ramp will be suspended.

Work will be taking place during the week commencing Monday 29 January. We appreciate your patience during this time.

For further information or to provide feedback please contact parks@richmond.gov.uk or 0208 891 141.

River Restoration on the Lower Crane

The parks team are pleased to announce another forthcoming river restoration project on the Lower Crane in Twickenham.

Find out more about the Lower Crane river restoration project.

Asian hornet sightings

Following a recent confirmed sighting of an Asian hornet in East London, we are asking residents to report any sightings of this type of hornet.

Find out more about how to identify Asian hornets and report your sightings.

Throw line boards installed

We have installed 16 throw line boards throughout the borough along the River Thames. These contain lifesaving equipment and instructions for use in emergencies. We now have the most boards out of all London boroughs.

View a map showing the location of throw line boards in Richmond.

Emergency wildlife contacts

The Biodiversity team have compiled a list of emergency contacts for our local wildlife.

Conservation work in Hampton supported by Rewild London Fund

The Mayor of London has awarded a grant of £50,000 for the ‘Richmond Corridors’ project, which will strengthen the biological connectivity between three Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation in Hampton: Hatherop Conservation Area, Oak Avenue Local Nature Reserve and Hampton Common.

Jubilee Meadow biodiversity enhancements

Whitton's Jubilee Meadow has seen new improvements this spring, with 27 new trees planted alongside 540m of new double-staggered hedgerow. 

Open space assessment 2023

A recent open space assessment was undertaken by Knight, Kavanagh & Page Ltd to review open spaces including parks in the borough.

Read the Open space assessment. 

​Tree updates

Find out more about trees in the borough and our tree policy.

Grass cutting programme and shrub and hedge maintenance

The grass verges we maintain have been re-categorised into urban highway, rural highway and conservation highway verges. This is in an effort to increase biodiversity and reduce our carbon footprint.

Find out about our approach to managing grass verges and see what category verges by your home belong to.

Shrub beds across the borough are maintained on a monthly basis and hedges will be cut twice a year, once in the winter and once in late summer to allow for nesting season.

We are also introducing ‘Pollination Stations’ in the form of natural grass areas in parks and open spaces. Find out more about our approach to managing Pollination Stations.

Integrated Pest Management Policy

The Parks team have implemented the management policy below in regard to pest management in Parks and Open Spaces.

View Integrated Pest Management Policy (pdf, 197 KB)

Towpath management from Kew to Beverley Brook

Alongside the Port of London Authority, we have created a wooded towpath management plan from 2022 to 2036.

The management plan seeks to unify the approach to managing and maintaining the bank and towpath environment for the future. The plan focuses on tree and woodland management whilst considering the wider ecology, heritage and user matters.

Tree works are due to start in February 2023. The majority of the works will be carried out without any closures with diversions directing users to alternative routes.

Read the full management plan (pdf, 4.5 MB).

Wildflower Meadow Programmes

For the last few years we have been establishing a number of wildflower meadow projects across the borough.

See the latest update on Wildflower Meadows (pdf, 197 KB).

Services and facilities

The following services and facilities are available in our parks.

Shade and shelter

We permit the use of private awnings and open sided gazebos (2x2 metres) in our parks and open spaces for the use of shade and shelter. Closed gazebos and marquees are not permitted.

Japanese Knotweed

Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica) is an invasive species that originates from Japan and parts of Asia. Originally brought over by the Victorians to add to their plant collections, it has since thrived and without its natural predators spread throughout the English countryside. Due to its vigorous growth (through tarmac and concrete) and spread, combined with its resilience to treatment, it has become a major problem and rapidly out-competes our native plants reducing biodiversity.

For information on how to control and remove Japanese Knotweed please visit GOV.UK.

If you identify Japanese Knotweed on Council land, please contact us with as many details as possible (and if possible a photo) so that we can take the necessary steps to remove it.

Dog play areas

We have two sites in the borough which have specific dog play areas, one is in North Sheen Recreation Ground and the other is a new 'Bark Park' at Chase Green. Dog walking is welcomed within our other parks and open spaces, such as Palewell Common and Sheen Common and many others.

However, all parks and open spaces are controlled by a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) which imposes various restrictions to dog control.

Contact the Parks department

Send your comments and feedback about our projects to:

Email: parks@richmond.gov.uk
Telephone: 020 8891 1411