London's Arcadia Phase 2 Projects (2006/2007)
Phase 2 of London's Arcadia will commence in October 2006. There are many projects planned for the coming year, all of which will be subject to public consultation. Listed below are the main proposals, for further information about any of the consultations and projects please do not hesitate to get in touch. Also do keep an eye on this website and the local press for information about the consultations.
Warren Footpath
London's Arcadia will be undertaking general landscape improvements to this well used footpath along the river. Works will include installation of new benches, restoring existing views for example to Ham House, Marble Hill House and Orleans House. London's Arcadia will also be investigating improved lighting which will have less impact on wildlife in the area (particularly bats) but will improve safety along the path in the evenings and at night. Proposals also include planting valuable new reedbed in front of Marble Hill House.
Ham Avenues and Riverside
Petersham Avenue (by Ham Polo Club and the German School)
London's Arcadia proposes to carry out improvements to the avenue, including 'gapping up' approximately 5 trees, removing 3 self seeded poplar and 3 sycamore trees.
Great South Avenue (Ham House to Sandy Lane)
London's Arcadia proposes to carry out improvements to the avenue including the planting of 5 lime trees, removing 4 self seeded sycamore and one lime tree. Tree works to other trees in the avenue include crown lifting. Benches will be upgraded and there will be opportunities for volunteers to become involved in hedge planting.
Ham Common (formal section)
London's Arcadia proposes to carry out improvements to the avenue including the planting of 23 lime trees to fill in existing gaps. 3 English oaks will also be planted. 1 London plane will be removed which has recently died in dry conditions. Existing trees will have their crowns lifted.
Ham Gate Avenue (Ham Common to Richmond Park)
London's Arcadia proposes to carry out improvements to this avenue including the planting of 7 English oaks. Benches will be improved and minor tree work will be undertaken on the existing trees. There will be opportunities for volunteer involvement in hedge planting.
Melancholy Walk extension
It is proposed to extend Melancholy Walk with a raised mound planted either side with 10 black poplar trees. This will ensure a dry route to Ham House from the towpath during high tides.
Ham Car Park (on the River Thames)
It is proposed that landscaping improvements be carried out to Ham car park including hard and soft landscaping works in order to soften the appearance of this site along the River Thames.
Orleans Gardens
Plans for Orleans Gardens include the removal of a redundant path, access improvements to Orleans House, selective tree management along the river front in order to promote a healthy tree stock and improvements to the viewing stage which looks across the Thames to Ham House. Much of this work will be carried out with the help of volunteers from the local community.
Cambridge Gardens
This project, though funded by the SITA Trust will be managed and implemented by London's Arcadia. Plans include improving access from the road to the towpath and landscape improvements including removing redundant paths, new shrub planting and selective tree management. This is another project which will provide ample opportunity for volunteer involvement.
Ham Towpath (River Lane to Ham Car Park)
This project will focus on repairing the sluices that run under the towpath. Currently the sluices have been seriously undermined by tidal inundation.
Corporation Island
As part of the wider Thames Landscape Strategy's Island Management Plan, London's Arcadia will co-ordinate tree management works to improve the health and safety of the trees on Corporation Island in partnership with the Port of London Authority and the London Borough of Richmond's Parks Department. Further habitat improvements will be made including the construction of wildfowl nesting platforms, to be made from pallets filled with bottles recovered from foreshore clean-ups. These activities will be carried out in association with the Environment Trust for Richmond upon Thames and Mark Edwards from Richmond Bridge Boathouse.
Douglas Footpath
Landscape improvements are planned for Douglas Footpath including the restoration of the bridge, access improvements, the installation of a boardwalk and hedge planting. Much of this work will provide a host of volunteer opportunities. To view the proposed plans and for your chance to comment upon these, please visit our consultations page.