Help the hedgehogs have the last laugh!

You could be forgiven for thinking the Kew Road Ha-ha is a road side ditch filled with fallen trees and dumped rubbish. It’s not immediately obvious that this 350 metre area is steeped in history and has great potential for animals and plants.

Originally, the purpose of the Kew Road Ha-ha would have been to create a barrier that restricted cattle and deer movement, without obstructing the impressive vistas of the royal landscape of Old Deer Park.

In today’s urban setting, it offers the possibility of a wildlife corridor for hedgehogs, badgers, bees and butterflies travelling between private gardens and important nature conservation sites. Habitats & Heritage, the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, and Old Deer Park Sports Ground, will be working with the local community to create a nature haven and preserve one of Richmond’s important historical structures. Research will be undertaken investigating the potential links with Queen Charlotte/George III and landscape designer ‘Capability’ Brown, with the intention to establish training opportunities and apprenticeships in historic brick-wall conservation.

People getting involved with the project can expect to clear rubbish and invasive plants from the ha-ha before planting pollinator friendly plants and creating homes for wildlife, such as beetles and hedgehogs. When the project is complete, the aesthetic of the Kew Road will be greatly improved; nature will be more plentiful and diverse; and we will have established a signposted natural heritage trail on the approach to Kew Gardens.

The engagement of the public is crucial to the success of this project. A public meeting will be held on Wednesday 31 January, from 6 to 7pm, at the Old Deer Park Sports Ground, Lions and Dragons suite.

Alternatively, you can visit the Habitats & Heritage website to find out how you can get involved, or how you can donate and contribute towards the £45,000 crowd funding target. The more donations that are received, the more the project can achieve.

Sign up with Habitats & Heritage today to lend your support. For the ha-ha! For history! For the hedgehogs!