Nature Near London: Ham Common Wood, Snowberry removal (Take 3), February 23, 2013

This was the third occasion that the Environment Trust's Richmond volunteers had visited Ham Common Wood to work on removing invasive snowberry plants, and this time I think we've cracked it. The only realistic method for getting rid of this North American plant that is a common invader of our woodlands, is to dig it out by the roots using mattocks and a good deal of sweat. So it was, that seven of our number took on this task. In January 2012 we cut the plants back, but they grew back. Then in January 2013, two of us tried (ironically in the snow), to dig the plants out with forks, but these really are tough customers. As such, this time we came properly armed, and in the space of three hours managed to dig out almost the entire patch. There are bound to be a few survivors to lure us back next year, but hopefully now native species can be allowed to recolonise this patch. Already, bluebells that were starting to be swamped by snowberry plants, are beginning to emerge. This year will be interesting at the pond by Richmond Park's Ham Gate, as the pond has been cleared of over-shading sycamore trees and de-silted.
And, the toad fence has appeared again around Ham Common to prevent migrating toads being squashed by cars as they cross the road look for mates in the spring. http://www.richmondandtwickenhamtimes.co.uk/news/8904441.Toads_crossing_forces_road_closures/
Don't drive, but get on your bike this year to help the toads!