The Conservation Volunteers - Crane Park Woodland & River Coppicing

We will be coppicing along the River Crane, working to remove small trees growing along the river bank and invasive/dominant species from the adjacent woodland. This greenspace is managed for biodiversity by Richmond Council.

Coppicing along the river allows more light into this environment, promoting the growth of soft vegetation (a food source of the translocated water voles!). The root systems of these coppiced trees continue to grow and bind the soil, reducing soil erosion risk along the river.

To coppice, is to fell a tree/sapling at its base (or 'stool') which promotes growth of further shoots. The result is multi-stemmed bushier growth.

Coppicing is a traditional form of woodland management, with its use dating back to the Stone Age. Coppicing was originally used to ensure source of firewood and timber. Contemporarily, coppicing is primarily used to improve the health and biodiversity of woodland areas.

We will meet in the triangle meadow located off Hospital Bridge Road at 10am. This is the meadow located directly south of Lincoln Field Sports Pitches, and contains the FORCE Kingfisher Bench. Look out for the TCV van.

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Please bring:

• packed lunch & water
• suitable outdoor clothes (that will keep you warm & dry the whole day)
• hat & sunblock
• suitable outdoor footwear (it can be muddy in places)

We provide hot drinks, so please bring your own mug (and spoon).

We have a selection of waders available, but most of them are bigger sizes (7 and upwards). So if you have smaller feet, you will need a few extra socks to work in these waders.

Please DO NOT attend our sessions if you have tested positive for Covid-19 in the past 5 days.

If you are a new volunteer and would like to learn more before getting involved, please get in touch ahead of the event. Contact details can be found at the bottom of this page in the "About the Organiser" section.

NOTE: If you are looking to complete Corporate Volunteer Days please get in touch before registering.