RADBOURNE WALK

Greater than the sum of their parts.

If you try neat gin it's not that great, neither is tonic water. But, when you put the two together you have a winner. Sometimes ideas are like that. One on its own won't go anywhere - but put two discoveries together and you might have something special.

Inspiring moment No 1...

Back in August I was traveling on the London Underground. People often leave their newspapers behind - so I reached over an grabbed an abandoned paper to read. Flicking through the pages I spotted the article below. It was the photos that struck me. The "before" and "after" shots are amazing it is incredible what a group of people can do once they get a few hanging baskets, tubs and some flowers.

Alongside our allotment site is an abandoned pathway - if only we could do something to spruce it up. But, we didn't know who was responsible for it.

Inspiring moment No 2...

Some of us had been looking into the history of our allotment site and digging up old maps. So, I checked with the land registry to see what information they had on our site. I was surprised to see that the pathway between our fence and the homeowners garden fence is part of the allotment land. That was a big surprise.

We have been moving towards self management of our plots. So, that kinda means we will have to look after the pathway too.

Put these two bits of information together and you have your proverbial gin and tonic - of the horticultural variety.

The footpath has been in a state of neglect for many years. But, it is a right of way and is frequently used by local people.

muddy and neglected

We heard one little boy ask his dad "are we in the countryside now?" as they walked down the path.

there is tarmac under the mud

With some care and attention it could be a real asset to the local wildlife and a lovely country walk in an urban area. It provides a great opportunity for the newly formed Ealing Dean Allotment Society (EDAS) to highlight their interest in wildlife and horticulture.

Luckily we have a plot holder (Simon) with a passion for wildflowers - he takes up the story...

The Footpath Enhancement Plan   

Footpath Visual Enhancement

Wool Carder Bee on Common Knapweed

The first of the three main aims in the footpath enhancement plan is to turn this neglected area into a visually attractive and colourful place. To create an immediate impact with plants, I recommend using selective native cornfield annuals. One benefit of using annual plants is that they will grow quickly from seed within one year. Another important benefit of these plants is that in the long-term these species will eventually die out unless the soil is annually turned over. This will avoid competing with local native plant species which we aim to introduce over a longer term basis and also any detrimental effects created by the introduction of aggressive plants species.

I recommend a simple wildflower meadow mix containing Corn Poppy, Corn Marigold & Cornflower.

The reasons for recommending these 3 plants are:

1. They have a simple attractive colour mix, red, yellow and blue.

2. They will grow in local soil conditions.

3. These species evoke a nostalgic feeling which we aim to encourage within the users of the footpath.

4. The opportunity to source these seeds from a current plot holder who has been growing and collecting seed for the past three years.

Habitat creation

The second aim I would like to achieve is the creation of wildlife habitats. There are opportunities along the 360 metre length of path to create habitats for birds & insects like Woodpeckers, Frogs, Stag and Devil’s coach horse beetles, Butterflies, Moths, Wild Bees and Wasps etc. All of which have been seen on the allotments.

loggery - for Stag beetle larvae

The Plan will include:

1. The creation of vertical wood piles dug into the soil to create a feeding environment for Stag beetle larvae and a host of other insects that are associated with dead wood.

2. The creation of winter nesting sites for various insects including wild bees, wasps and flies.

3. There are also opportunities to continue to grow local native plants that benefit butterflies and moths for both larval and nectar sources. These will also serve for the less popular but equally important pollinators of the Fly family. These plants include Stinging nettle, Red clover, Ragwort, Dandelion and Buttercup to name but a few.

4. The continued and managed growth of shrubs and dead wood provides food source, nesting sites and shelter for a variety of birds, including Green Woodpeckers, Gold Finches and Jays.

Ringlet on a Bramble Leaf

Reintroduction of Native Plants Species

The final aim of the footpath Enhancement Plan is to reintroduce local native species into this footpath area. There is currently over 20 identifiable native plant species growing along its length (see table below). It is our aim to reintroduce more locally sourced native plant species.

The benefit of this introduction would be to:

1. Create a “Local Wild Plant haven” with ever increasing species diversity.

2. An increased diversity of insect populations from the expanded plant species.

3. Allow for the creation of genuine local native plant seed for sale or distribution to interested parties.

Additional Native Plant Species

It is proposed that a selection of native plants not found locally will be added to the footpath these species will be selected for their benefit to insects and for their aesthetic qualities. These plants will include Wild Foxglove, Giant Mullein, Dark Mullein, Weld, Lords and Ladies and Teasel.

Gatekeeper on Common Fleabane

The path has been surveyed by Christina and Simon. The whole length and width was measured and divided into zones according to the amount of light in each section and the prevailing species already growing along the path.

Footpath Dimensions and Light Position

Zone	Length	Path width	Soil width	Position
1	30m	3.0m-1.7m	8.0m-3.25m	Semi-Shade
2	30m	1.7m-1.5m	3.0m-2.0m	Semi-Shade
3	21m	1.5m	2.0m	Semi-Shade
4	15m	1.5m	1.5m	Semi-Shade
5	30m	1.5m	2.3m	Sun
6	24.4m	1.5m	2.1m	Sun
7	9.4m	1.5m	2.1m	Shade
8	24.2	1.5m	2.0m	Sun
9	20m	1.5m	2.1m	Shade
10	30m	1.5m	2.5m	Semi-Shade
11	30m	1.5m	1.8m	Sun
12	24.7m	1.5m	2.0m	Sun
13	31m	1.5m	3.1m	Semi-Shade

Red Tailed Bumblebee on Field Scabious

Six Spotted Burnet on Common Knapweed

Action Plan

1. The removal of rubbish including plastic bags, wooden boarding, metal, glass bottles etc.

2. The removal of plant & shrub debris, this material can be used to create compost or be burnt to create nutrient for the allotment or pathway.

3. The turning over of the top 8 inches of Topsoil to create conditions for annual seed growth. The removal or ‘digging in’ of leaves from the topsoil.

4. The cleaning of the tarmac path, with either  a yard broom and water or jet spray. The levelling of soil on the outer edge of the path to reduce dirt build-up.

5. The creation of vertical wooden piles inserted into the soil will create feeding areas for Stag beetle larvae.

holes drilled for overwintering insects

6. The drilling of varying sized holes in dead tree stumps will allow a range of bees and flies to overwinter in the holes.

7. The continuation of ‘Stinging Nettle bars’ will serve as a food source for various butterflies and moths. These bars can also include other currently found wild plant species.

8. To introduce new locally sourced native plant species from seeds or cuttings found in waste places, these plants will include Yarrow, Hawkweed, Clovers, Stinking Iris,

9. The introduction of native plants not known in the local environment including Wild Foxglove, Giant Mullein, Dark Mullein, Weld, Lords and ladies and teasel that will enhance the environment for Humans and wildlife.

10. A longer term project to introduce wild plant species, recognised in the Ealing borough Biodiversity plan will include: Common spotted orchid, birds foot trefoil, common fleabane, pepper saxifrage, teasel, meadow vetchling, common knapweed, crested dog’s tail (all in decline in Ealing)

11. Contacting environmental organisation who can help and add to the knowledge and resources of the Footpath Enhancement Plan.

12. A long term plan to create a seed bank of these locally found wild plant species will be organised by EDAS. The seeds could be sold or given to interested parties.

13. Contact the Ealing Borough council to inform them of the land rights, enhancement plan and request to stop any organised strimming of the pathway area by council workers.

White tailed bumblebee on Yarrow

Willoughby's leafcutter bee on fleabane

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Planting Plan Section 1 (Between Fence Posts 120-131)

Location The key feature of this section is its position at the start at the north end of the footpath. This is important as it will be the first section that people will see and therefore creates the opportunity to show improvements and an example of things to come. The area extends for 30 metres with a width from 8.0m to 3.25m. The site has partial shade with a number of large trees overhanging the path. The soil is a mixture of leaf mould acidic soil and locally occurring clay soil. Area A Wildflower Annuals This area allows us to create an easy impact within a number of months. To create this impact I recommend using a selection of annual Wildflowers containing a mix of Corn Poppy, Cornflower and Corn Marigold. The seed mix will be broadcast sown in the areas both sides of the footpath and extending deeper across the full width where the soil area meets the Dean Villas house. Due to the shade from trees growth of the annual plants may be uneven. Area B Existing Native Plants This area allows us to see which existing plants are growing by the footpath. In this area we can let plants grow and catalogue them and take seed or cuttings. The topsoil will be turned over and the existing perennial and biannual plants will be left. Seeds and cuttings maybe taken from these plants and used to re-populate other areas of the path. In the long term new local species will be added in this area. Area C New Introduced Native Plants This includes areas that run along the existing wall and gives a great opportunity for tall shade tolerant species. Plants for this area will include Wild Foxglove, Great Mullein, Dark Mullein and Teasel. Tarmac Path The Tarmac Path will be cleaned off with a stiff yard broom and water to remove years of old dirt. Drainage holes will be drilled where possible to reduce puddles. These drainage holes will be filled with loose gravel taken from the tarmac path. Initial exploratory holes will be needed to ascertain the depth of the path foundation.

Planting Plan Diagram for Section 1

Corn poppy and Cornflower taken from the allotments Common Blue Butterfly Drain holes for footpath to reduce standing water

Planting Plan Section 4 (Between Fence Posts 148-153)

Location The key feature of this section is that it is a shaded site which is ideal for wood decomposition, insects and shade tolerant plants. This area extends for 15 metres with a total width from 3m with the path 1.5m wide. The area is classed as a shade site with trees from the allotments shading the footpath for long periods of the day. The soil is a locally occurring clay soil with leaf mould from decayed plant matter on the surface. The area has a large section of ivy, a coppiced tree stump and large amount of Green Alkanet. Area A Wildflower Annuals This area allows us to create an easy impact within a number of months. To create this impact I recommend using a selection of annual Wildflowers containing a mix of Corn Poppy, Cornflower and Corn Marigold. The topsoil will be turned over and the existing plants will be cut back. The seed mix will be broadcast sown in the areas both sides of the footpath. As this site is shaded the annual plant growth may be limited. Area B Existing Native Plants This area will extend from the wall to around 1m towards the path. The topsoil will be turned over and the existing perennial and biannual plants will be left. Seeds of Burdock will be sown from plants harvested on the footpath. Green Alkanet and Goose Grass grow in this area. A catalogue will be made to see which plants grow there during the year. Seeds and cuttings from these plants will be used to re-populate other areas of the path. In the long term new local species will be added in this area. Area C Wood Pile This area will be constructed near the wall and will have upto 20 tree trunks of varying size placed vertically into the ground to a depth of around 0.4m. Holes of varying sizes will be drilled horizontally into the tree trunks to a depth of 6 inches to create nesting sites for insects. Tarmac Path [As in section 1 above]

Planting Plan for Section 4

Two local native Plants Ivy and Green Alkanet wood pile - loggery habitat

Planting Plan Section 5 (Between Fence Posts 153-163)

Location The key feature of this section is that it is a full sun site and therefore allows plants to grow to their full potential. We can therefore grow plants that will not survive in other sections of the footpath. This area extends for 30 metres with a width from 3.0m to 1.5m. The site has full sun for most of the day. The soil is a locally occurring clay soil with leaf mould from decayed plant matter on the surface. Area A This area allows us to create an easy impact within a number of months. To create this impact I recommend using a selection of annual Wildflowers containing a mix of Corn Poppy, Cornflower and Corn Marigold. The seed mix will be broadcast sown in the areas both sides of the footpath and will extend to around 1m towards the fence. Local collected seeds of Burdock will be added with a scattering of locally grown Corncockle. Area B Existing Native Plants This area will extend from the fence to around 0.5m towards the path. The topsoil will be turned over and the existing perennial and biannual plants will be left. Seedlings of Burdock will be added from Plants harvested on the footpath. Green Alkanet grows in this section in large quantities. A catalogue will be made to see which plants grow there during the year. Seeds and cuttings from these plants will be used to re-populate other areas of the path. In the long term new local native species will be added in this area. Tarmac Path [As in section 1 above]

Planting Plan for Section 5

Two local native Plants Green Alkanet and Burdock

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Planting Plan Section 13 (Between Fence Posts 220-231)

 

Location The key feature of this section is its position at the start at the south end of the footpath and Model cottages. This is important as it will be the first section that people will see and therefore creates the opportunity to show improvements and an example of things to come. This area extends for 31 metres with a width from 3.1m to 1.5m. The area classed as a sun to semi-shade site with trees from the allotments shading the footpath for periods of the day.  The soil is a locally occurring clay soil with leaf mould from decayed plant matter on the surface. The area has a mixture of native plants including Grass, Stinging nettles, Alkanet. Area A Wildflower Annuals This area allows us to create an easy impact within a number of months. To create this impact I recommend using a selection of annual wildflowers containing a mix of Corn Poppy, Cornflower and Corn Marigold. The topsoil will be turned over and the existing plants will be cut back but not entirely removed to allow new plant species to grow. The seed mix will be broadcast sown in the areas both sides of the footpath and will extend to around 1m towards the fence and near post 231 it will extend across the full width of the soil area. Area B Existing Native Plants This area will extend from the fence to around 0.5m towards the path. The topsoil will be turned over and the existing perennial and biannual plants will be left. Seedlings of Burdock will be added from Plants harvested on the footpath. Green Alkanet and Stinging Nettle grow in this section. A catalogue will be made to see which plants grow there during the year. Seeds and cuttings from these plants will be used to re-populate other areas of the path. In the long term new local species will be added in this area. Area C Wood Pile This area will be constructed near the fence and will have around 20 tree trunks of varying size placed vertically into the ground to a depth of around 0.4m. Holes of varying sizes will be drilled horizontally into the tree trunks to a depth of 6 inches to create nesting sites for insects. Tarmac Path [As in section 1 above]

Planting Plan for Section 5

Two local native Plants Stinging Nettle and Burdock rotting wood crucial to Stag Beetle Larvae

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Native plants identified in Ealing Dean Allotment Footpath 2013

Common name	Plant type	Footpath distribution level
Stinging Nettle	Perennial	widespread
Black Horehound	Perennial	widespread
Burdock	Biannual	occasional
Annual Mercury	Annual	widespread
Green Alkanet	Perennial	widespread
Dock	Perennial	moderate
Willowherb (further identification planned)	Perennial	moderate
Cleavers	Annual	widespread
Wood Avens	Perennial	widespread
Ivy, Common (green)	Perennial	moderate
Pendulous sedge	Perennial	limited
Ragwort	Perennial	moderate
Creeping Cinquefoil	Perennial	moderate
Grass Various	Perennial/Annual	widespread
Cow Parsley	Perennial	localised
Dandelion
White Clover

Local Native Plants to be introduced to footpath in 2014

Plant common name	Location Found	Plant cutting or seed
Yarrow	Walpole & Lammas Park	Cutting
Clover (further identification planned)	Walpole & Lammas Park	Cutting
Burdock	ED Allotment Footpath	Seed
Buttercup (further identification planned)	Walpole & Lammas Park	Cutting
Stinking Iris	Walpole & Lammas Park	Cutting
Cats ear	Walpole & Lammas Park	Cutting
Cow Parsley (further identification planned)	Walpole & Lammas Park	Cutting
Hawkweed	Walpole & Lammas Park	Cutting

Non Native, Garden & Allotment Escapes plants on the Footpath 2013

Throughout the year plants found growing will be added to the list.

Plant	Plant type	Footpath distribution level
Japanese Knotweed Cultivar	Perennial	Localised
Variegated Ivy	Perennial	Localised
Forget-me-not	Annual	Localised
Aquilegia	Perennial	Localised
Gladioli	Perennial	Localised
Periwinkle	Perennial	Localised

"Before" image of section 13 - watch this space for the "After" image

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Simon Coleman (who came up with the complete plan)

Christina Fox (who picked up a newspaper on the tube)

Ealing Dean Allotment Society

Find out more about the history of the allotments.


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Ealing Dean Allotments, Northfield Avenue, Ealing, London. 2014