Shooters Hill Woodlands Working Party

8th February 2025

Oxleas Woods

16 of our dedicated volunteers improved the water flow from the source of the Wickham Valley Watercourse.

They worked in the narrow stream bed, clearing leaves and building leaky dams along the way, to slow the water. Using two full lengths of drain rods they pushed and pulled mud built up in the pipe below the bridge, clearing some foul smelling mud that had become compacted. Water flow is still low but can now be seen. A wonderful example of our RBG Parks Ranger, and volunteers, working together to improve our woodlands.

Thank you everyone!

If you would like to join one of our friendly volunteer groups, contact: Christine at: oxleas.volunteers@gmail.com. No skills needed, just your enthusiasm to help our ancient woodlands.

The start of two small leaky dams.

Here you can see the water flowing along the ditch and finding its way gradually through the leaky dams.

This leaky dam uses the living tree for support.

A framework is built first.

Lots of mud-shovelling was also needed.

Chopping up the branches needed for the leaky dams. Leaky dams aim to slow the water down, rather than stop it completely so gaps are left between the branches.

Someone pulling the drainage rod through.

Some of our proud volunteers with our Park Ranger with the drain rods. What a filthy, muddy day to carry out this work.

The blue rod is being pushed and pulled through the drainage pipe. You can see the water flow measuring equipment in photo two. Now you will also be able to see the flowing water.

Clearing the built-up mud below the bridge.

A volunteer shovelling the mud from the base of the ditch.