Project Update & July Dates

What’s been happening in May and June:

Whilst the rain hasn’t stopped, and the sun has been shining, the vegetation has been shooting up, including non-native invasive species such as Himalayan balsam. This prolific plant is a master of taking over riverbanks, shading out our native species and disrupting natural riparian habitats. However, thanks to the efforts of local volunteers including from the Friends of Roxbourne Park and Woodlarks and Waders from Hillingdon, we have been working to eradicate this plant from the yeading Brook and the River Pinn. Whilst we are well on our way to clearing this from the former, we still need help on the Pinn – see upcoming activities for chances to get involved.

Balsam bashing on the River Pinn:

As well as removing invasive plants, we have also been planting native species along the Yeading Brook and around the wetlands at Brockley Hill Open Space to help increase species diversity in these habitats. Comprising a mix of marginal, emergent and aquatic plants, species include: marsh marigold, flowering rush, water forget-me-not, purple loosestrife and more. We have plans for further planting at Headstone Manor Park and Stanmore Marsh – stay tuned for further announcements.

In addition to our human volunteers, we have also benefitted form the help of three very popular bovines over at Headstone Manor Park. Daphne, Mitzi and Lulu, a trio of Dexter cattle, have been munching their way through vegetation in the wildflower meadows around the lagoons which are too steep for our machines to cut. The three lovely laddies will be on site for another couple of weeks so get down and meet them whilst you can.

And finally, the twice-monthly working parties at Bentley Priory are underway! Harrow’s most important site for nature is in need of your help, and with a brand-new tools tore, we are well equipped to tackle the myriad tasks required to manage and maintain its value for nature. The new tool store also frees up space to use the Nature Centre for survey work, training sessions and other educational activities.

Coming up next month:

In addition to a couple of sessions on Himalayan balsam and continuing with rubble removal from the Yeading Brook, we will be working with the local volunteers at Roxbourne Rough to clear the overgrown vegetation from Bolton's Pand, hoping to restore this areas as resource for local school groups. We also have a an exciting training opportunity to learn about grassland habitat assessment at Bentley Priory. Make sure to sign up using the July Booking Form to avoid disappointment.

Here is the full volunteering schedule for July:

All activities have now been added to the upcoming activities section - head over there to sign up.