April report and updated schedule

What went on in April

Despite the rather soggy weather - to put it mildly - there were a few exciting moments in amongst the dampness of April. The pick of which would be the beginning of works for the Yeading Brook Unbound Project; volunteer groups at Streamside Open Space and Roxbourne Park commenced project 'Rubble Trouble' - the removal of concrete slabs, builders' waste, and other artificial materials to help restore natural flow regimes and carry silt further downstream. As well as various random items which had sadly been dumped there, we also found plenty of invertebrate life, including a water scorpion! (see below) Despite the mountains of material created (see weekly updates from April) there is still plenty to remove and we need your help!

Volunteers at Roxbourne Park

Water scorpion found in the Yeading Brook

Coming up in May and June:

In addition to project rubble trouble, we will be: tackling the non-native invasive Himalayan balsam from the banks of the Yeading Brook and the River Pinn; planting native marginal, emergent and aquatic plants at various wetland sites across the borough; helping to control invasion of ragwort and thistles in Bentley Priory's species rich grasslands; and help manage encroachment of vegetation around the wetland areas.

Elsewhere, The Harrow Nature Conservation Forum will be running regular working parties at Newton Farm Ecology Park, Stanmore Common and Stanmore Country Park. They will also be hosting guided walks and educational activites, such as exploring wildlife in the wetlands of Old Redding, and a butterfly walk at Stanmore Country Park. Head over to their website for the full schedule and contact details.

Here is the updated volunteering schedule for May & June:

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