Berrylands Nature Reserve

The now at extreme low level withe the providing a refuge for the
Hopefully it can be refilled asap pending flow in the adjacent Tolworth Brook

For 2026 it’s season once again, this invasive plant species grows throughout the Hogsmill catchment. volunteers have been meeting over the past 6/7 years to pull and remove the growing plants - a great way to meet new friends and contribute to the control of this insidious plant - dates and details as in the post - all welcome

A selection of photos from the last 3x session which encompassed removal of 2x invasive plant species - and from within the reserve and along the upper section of the Tolworth Brook which flows through the reserve. Photo 9 before balsam removal, photo 6 after.
The lack of significant rain and increasing evaporation has impacted significantly on the level of the , Photo 10, our plan will be to refill the pond over the next 2x volunteer sessions on 2nd and 6th June, meet 10:30 am outside the Scout Hut in Stirling Walk - all welcome

6x dedicated worked relentlessly to dig, hand pull ( including the roots) and bag up some of the extensive growths of invasive Varigated Yellow Archangel which is growing rampant throughout localised areas of

Varigated yellow archangel (Lamiastrum galeobdolon ‘Variegatum’) is a Schedule 9 invasive species in the UK, making it illegal to plant or allow it to spread in the wild.
It must not be put it in household compost or council green waste bins.
Dispose of it via licensed, professional contractors as it is classified as controlled / hazardous waste, or send it to a licensed landfill.

fauconier RBK’s Biodiversity Officer has been informed of the extent of the growth of this noxious invasive species.
As a classified Section 9 invasive species the removal, transportation and disposal of the plant must be regarded Hazardous Waste.
Georgina has kingly offered to contact .kingston_upon_thames to arrange for collection and disposal of any future removals once bagged by our stalwart
Our next volunteer session is on 5th May, meet 10:30 in Stirling Walk by the Scout Hut - all welcome

Spring has sprung in with beautiful and blossom in the Berrylands Park orchard , the pond with a show of Marsh Marigolds and on the by the pond ( sorry poor photo )

A selection of photos from our last 2 sessions - 4th & 7th April clearing encroaching bramble from the meadow edges, where a beautiful was found . In addition the 7 / 8 yr old tree samplings at the rear of the where cleared of yet more vigorous growth of bramble. Before and after photos included with Celia in photo to give some perspective.
Our next session is on Tuesday 21st April, meet 10:30 am outside the Scout Hut in Stirling Walk

Spring Cherry and Blackthorn blossom time but patchy growth of invasive Variegated Archangel now very evident on the Raeburn Ave side of the reserve.
Cropped Holly stems have been used to top-up the dead hedge at the Pet Club fence - thanks to those who did this work but who and when ? It’s a mystery !

What a transformation in just 2hrs - before / during and after photos of the work by 8x enthusiast to clear encroaching bramble, rebuild and top out the dead hedge on the meadow side of the ford crossing of the Tolworth Brook in
Great work by all and so satisfying to see the end result - next session on April 4th - meet 10:30 in Stirling Walk by the Scout Hut

Over the last 2x sessions- 8th and 10th March and before the bird nesting season begins our dedicated completed a final scalloping of the encroaching Bramble and Blackthorn at the Scout Hut end of the meadowlands. Great effort by all as it’s surprisingly hard work
Next volunteer day Tuesday 24th March, meet 10:30 am in Stirling Walk