Clearing Rhododendron From Richmond Park

 Today I helped clear the Rhododendron from within a fenced off area of Richmond Park. I put my name down to volunteer with BTCV to help conserve, protect and maintain the conservation areas of Richmond Park. I arrived at 9.55am in Twickenham on The Embankment, outside the Barmy Arms pub.

The BTCV group leader arrived on time (10am) and offererd me a lift in the passenger seat of the minibus, I kindly refused as I had my car with me! From there I followed the minibus to Richmond Park. The organiser drove the minibus right upto the entrance of a fenced off conservation area. We all got out of the minibus and put on our hard hats and gloves provided by the BTCV organisation. The organiser gave us a talk about the Rhododendron in this fenced off area and spoke about how dence and fast it is growing and said that other tree species are in danger of becoming overtaken therefore it had to be controlled. He then gave us the tools for the job which consisited of curved saws, hax saws and industrial sheers.  There were approximately 15 people who volunteered.  

We were asked to oraganise the chopped down Rhododendron into different piles, some would be short branches, some would be long, others would be clusters of branches that we cut of the main stem.  

The work meant allot of sawing, pulling and lifting heavy branches into existing heaps/piles around the site. Great if you are looking to burn calories and rid your body of stress! I was exhuasted at the end of the day and early the next morning.

 Members of the volunteer group on lunch sipping tea and eating biscuits.

I got talking to some of the people there, one of which was a Graphic Designer, some were Europeans, some were retired folk, others first timers and regular members. A few volunteers turned up after lunch but I arrived in the morning and decided to work until finish @ 4pm. Several acres needed to be cleared so I'm happy to attend anouther session. All in all I enjoyed my experience and would be happy to participate in future events with BTCV. I located the organisation by browsing "volunteer organisations" online.