A group of LUC volunteers work together in Richmond Park on a sunny day, using garden tools to clear invasive plants and restore areas of acid grassland surrounded by autumn trees.

LUC volunteers support habitat restoration in Richmond Park

Last Wednesday, LUC’s London Ecology, Planning and Landscape Management teams spent the day volunteering in Richmond Park.

Together, they supported The Royal Parks with bramble clearance and the removal of invasive species such as Hypericum (also known as Rose of Sharon) from areas of acid grassland near Pembroke Lodge.

A large group of LUC volunteers pose together in Richmond Park, smiling and holding gardening tools after a successful habitat restoration day under a bright autumn sky.

Acid grassland is one of the features that led to the park’s designation as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

However, this important habitat faces increasing threats from bramble encroachment and invasive species.

LUC volunteers clear brambles and invasive plants in Richmond Park, working among autumn trees and filling large orange bags with cut vegetation.

These changes result from a mix of factors, including nutrient enrichment from dog fouling, nitrogen deposition, recreational trampling, reduced grazing, and the impacts of climate change.

LUC volunteers work together on a hillside in Richmond Park, using garden forks to clear brambles and invasive plants with autumn trees and distant houses in the background.

With sunshine and tools in hand, our volunteers got stuck in. The work was challenging but rewarding, and the team made strong progress clearing vegetation to support the park’s conservation goals.

A group of LUC volunteers stand among autumn foliage in Richmond Park, clearing brambles and invasive plants from an area of acid grassland under bright sunshine.

A surprise highlight of the day was a visit from a young stag, who wandered by to inspect the team’s efforts – providing some extra motivation to keep going.

A young stag stands beneath a tree in Richmond Park, surrounded by autumn leaves and tall grass, watching calmly in the soft afternoon light.

LUC’s volunteering days are part of our commitment to supporting nature through hands-on action, helping to protect the habitats we care about most.

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