News on The Paddock

The Japanese Knotweed infestations that threaten the biodiversity and habitats of The Paddock will be cleared in a comprehensive site remediation scheme. A specialist 'cell-burial' technique will be used to ensure effective, long-lasting control of this fast-spreading invasive species.

The Japanese Knotweed stands will be excavated and buried in a secure geo-textile membrane, before being capped with over 2m of soil. This will enable the site to be cleared of Japanese Knotweed in preparation for the project's main landscape improvement works in the Summer/Autumn of 2023, which will deliver improved entrance areas, new accessible paths, new signage and interpretation, planting and landscaping.

The clearance of the Japanese Knotweed will enable the creation of a new wildflower meadow in the centre of the Paddock. This will help to create an ecologically rich habitat as well as contribute to the recovery of habitats in decline, as studies show that over 97% of the UK’s wildflower meadows have been lost since the 1930s.

The Japanese Knotweed works will take place between 9th January and the end of April 2023.

During this period, only the eastern gate (closest to the Ferry Boat Inn) will be open to the public to enjoy the existing meadow area.

There will be no general public access to the rest of The Paddock during the works, and community engagement events will be held mainly online. Volunteering activity may continue by arrangement with our Paddock management partners The Conservation Volunteers (TCV).

For details of volunteering and community activities – please visit www.tcv.org.uk/thepaddock

Why not join us for a site visit to see the works in action, and to have a coffee and catch-up with TCV, the Council and the project team at The Paddock on Wednesday 25th January? Everyone is welcome!