This narrow strip of scattered trees, scrub and rough grassland lies between Twickenham Road and the railway, just east of Twickenham Bridge. It was formerly part of the Old Deer Park, but is now cut off from the Park by the main road. The western end of the meadow, beside the River Thames, floods regularly.
Local Wildlife Site
Accessible Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation
Twickenham Road Meadow
Borough: Richmond upon Thames
Grade: Local
Access: Free public access (all/most of site)
Area: 2.8 ha
Description
Wildlife
The wet grassland is not particularly diverse, but it likely supports some interesting invertebrates. A few willows add variety to the habitat. A little further east the drier part of the meadow has a better range of wild flowers, including spotted medick. A number of trees, including oak, beech, poplar, wild cherry and horse chestnut have been planted and are now well established. Between the trees are areas of scrub. Species (some of which are planted) include hawthorn, hazel, dog-rose and bramble. A variety of tall herbs also occur around the trees and shrubs. The old brick walls of the railway viaduct support some interesting plants including pellitory-of-the-wall, ivy-leaved toadflax and four species of ferns: wall-rue, maidenhair spleenwort, male-fern and hart's-tongue. The first two of these are scarce in London, usually growing only on old walls such as this.Facilities
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