Friends of the River Crane Environment

Wildlife surveys and habitat improvements to the ponds at Donkey Wood were made possible by funding from the Rivers and Wetlands Community Days programme. See how the community joined in this report. 

Litter pollution in river and marine environments is a major concern. In 2016 an exercise was started to quantify the volume of litter and understand where best efforts could be made. The last report is February 2024 with Appendices

View a presentation of the littering and approaches to tackle it by Rob Gray.

Harriet Baker posited Is the River Crane making neighbourhood(s)? A fascinating insight into how the River Crane activates social connections, online and offline, and whether these could be considered neighbourhoods. Does the River impact the ways people feel about their area and the people in it?  Do visit her website to read her findings

These two areas along the river in LB Hounslow are of great environmental and community potential but have suffered from neglect and antisocial behaviour.  In early 2020 FORCE started a community engagement project with Let's Go Outside & Learn CIC, TCV, and Habitats & Heritage to improve them, funded through the Hounslow Community Fund.  Read November 2020 progress report.

A major project led by the Environment Agency to enhance the low flows downstream of Mereway Road weir by altering the flow controls between the Lower Crane and Lower Duke’s Rivers.  A 12 month test from late 2017 identified major benefits to the lower Crane in the executive main report. The weir replacement started in January 2020, with current EA progress information available. FORCE supported a new fish pass as part of the weir replacement.

In April 2014 with ZSL, Frog Environmental, 50 volunteers monitor water quality & ecological value at 11 sites in the Crane catchment.  Volunteers in 2016 “outfall safari” walked the 30km length of the river assessing 235 surface water outfalls.  Eight were investigated by the Environment Agency. The data helped prioritise investment by Thames Water.  Project reports and data are on the Crane Valley Partnership website, including the latest December 2023.

Following a feasibility study in 2008, a review into Improving Access along the River Crane for People and Wildlife was carried out 10 years later. The results show improvements in joining up fragmented green spaces and adding value for volunteers, people and wildlife.

This Challenge aimed to encourage schools and families to engage with open spaces in the River Crane corridor, supported by Richmond Civic Pride and Heathrow Community Fund.  

Under Working with Schools children prepared posters for Moormead Park and joined community activities.

This community project helped people to learn conservation skills in open spaces adjacent to the River Crane, such as woodland management, restoration of rivers, etc. Take a look at the report and photo log of people enjoying themselves ! With thanks to our funders Thames Water.

This project assessed the condition of the hand carved benches in the park given some were 10 years old.  The initial project refurbished the benches in September 2018, and will continue on an annual basis. Bench Maintenance report

FORCE is part of the steering group for this exciting project, managed by the Crane Valley Partnership.  A vision to improve the value of the Lower Crane was launched in late 2017.  A feasibility study was commissioned in summer 2018 and is due to report further in spring 2019.  Further details can be seen here