We are a group of volunteers that work with local naturalists and the Council’s ecology officer. We seek to preserve and enhance the natural habitats of Ham Lands and to provide information about the area so that more people can understand and appreciate this Local Nature Reserve. 

Regular Maintenance

We have regular sessions to do general maintenance on Ham Lands. These sessions are normally every Monday afternoon and in the morning of the second Saturday of each month. 

In these sessions, volunteers help to improve habitats for wildlife through practical conservation work, learn about the natural world that's on their doorstep, and to meet new people with a shared interest in Ham Lands.

We are cutting back encroaching scrub to maintain open and sheltered grassland areas and to open woodland which is so important in supporting the rich biodiversity on Ham Lands.

We also maintain some of the small footpaths through the scrub that are in danger of being overgrown. Areas where this is necessary have been identified by local naturalists and the Council’s ecology officer. Tasks include raking, cutting back and digging out invasive plants.

Balsam Bashing

Himalayan Balsam is an issue along the river and we work with several local organisations to clear it each year. 

Himalayan Balsam Bashing, in the flood area by the river

Litter picks

We pick up any litter we find during our regular maintenance sessions and we also hold occasional litter picks when an area need it. This is normally along the edges of the main paths.

Litter clean up on Ham Lands