Enhancing Yeading Brook Meadows

Volunteers have been working on the site for the last 15-20 years. However, due to a decline in age, ability and numbers, the condition of the site is declining. To rectify this, contractors will clear 2.5ha of species poor scrub and follow up any regrowth in summer with a selective broadleaved herbicide, eradicating invasive scrub species and enabling less competitive herbs and grasses to grow, restoring biodiversity. Volunteers and contractors will undertake a programme of meadow cuts and hedgerow management works to ensure that existing areas of neutral grassland are managed to a high standard and the hedgerows do not encroach onto it. A few small scrapes will be undertaken in the wetter parts of the meadow to create areas for wading birds to utilise and create small wet pools in the damp grassland. To guide and evaluate success, we will undertake a phase 1+ survey across all sites to give us accurate baseline data, ensuring appropriate monitoring and future site management.