Hedge Laying

The Rangers are hoping to start hedge laying soon and are currently gathering materials.  The hedges were originally planted in 2006-2007 along the Eastern boundary of the Park that runs down to the river with a view to creating a wildlife corridor.  This will also increase biodiversity in the Park.

Laying a hedge means taking trees planted 2006/7 and bending and weaving them to stakes to create a more structured hedge. The trees being used are hawthorn, holly, blackthorn and dog rose. It is hoped that this will attract attract a variety of native birds and small mammals.

December 2011
 

Commemorative Trees

Commemorative trees can be planted for a number of reasons ranging from commemorating rites of passage to marking life’s major events. English Heritage responds warmly to requests for trees to be planted and their specific guidelines are listed below.

To plant a commemorative tree at Marble Hill Park, please contact the Ranger Team (mobile 0782 568 0709 or Park Office 0208 892 1900)

Guidelines

• Allocation of locations is on a first come first served basis.
• English Heritage reserves the right to remove or relocate the tree for operational reasons, although reasonable efforts will be made to contact the donor to discuss the reason for the removal or to arrange an alternative site to relocate to.
• Plaques are not allowed in the park. A memorial book will be kept in the House and all the inscriptions will be done by a calligrapher.
• The minimum donation required to plant a commemorative tree is the cost of two trees + planting + 5 years maintenance + calligrapher. English Heritage will make all arrangements for planting the trees, preparations for any ceremonial planting and the finishing of the area afterwards. Donors will not be permitted to dig holes and actually plant trees directly.
• No payments should be made until English Heritage has notified the donor that a space is available and the donor is satisfied with its location. A full payment by cheque must be made before an order can be placed. Notification of a space and collection of payment will be coordinated by the Head Ranger.
• Trees which die or, in the opinion of the Regional Landscape Manager, fail to thrive within the first 5 years will be replaced once by English Heritage. Established trees which die, are seriously damaged or blown down after this 5 year period will be replaced at English Heritage’s discretion.
• Commemorative trees of the following species can only be planted in the locations specified by the map below.

Quercus robur: English Oak
Tilia x europea: Lime
Salix alba: White Willow
Salix fragilis: Crack Willow
Crataegus monnogyna: Hawthorn
Alnus glutinosa: Alder
Carpinus betulus: Hornbeam
Quercus palustris: Pin oak or Swamp Spanish oak
Quercus ilex: Holm Oak
Quercus robur: Pedunculate Oak
Quercus cerris: Turkey Oak
Quercus rubra: Northern Red Oak or Champion Oak
Taxus Baccata: Common Yew
Castanea sativa: Sweet Chestnut
Juglans nigra: Black Walnut
Robinia pseudoacacia: Black Locust
Ailanthus altissima: Tree of heaven
Myrtus apiculata: Chilean Myrtle
Arbutus unedo: Strawberry tree
Liquidambar styraciflua: Sweet gum tree
 

Sports

In 2010 it will be possible for the first time to buy a season ticket for the hire of tennis courts or cricket nets. You can still pay on a daily basis at the Sports Hut or to any member of the Ranger Team.

For further information ring the Ranger Team on 0782 568 0709 or the Park Office at 0208 8992 1900.
 

The Grotto

English Heritage completed the external work in the grotto area in November 2010. The surrounding greenery has been considerably reduced in height to give more light and air into the site and the Rangers have worked hard to replace the steps down to the entrance, finding the bottom step which had been long since “lost” under leaf mould. The Society funded the purchase of materials for the steps.
 

Bat-friendly Lamps

Bat (and view) friendly lamps have now been installed along the Warren Footpath. This was how Marble Hill House looked on 19 January 2009 before new street lighting was put in place. The old orange sodium high UV street light is right in the middle of the view.

This is the same view on 15 October 2009. The new lights can just be seen either side of the house. The new low level LED lamps still provide British Standard street lighting levels and provide an even white light which illuminates only the footpath and eliminates the light pollution that is detrimental to the bat population.

source: London's Arcadia Project

Memories of Marble Hill Park

We are grateful to the Twickenham Museum and Mrs. Aileen Griffiths for the following regarding the keepers of Marble Hill Park

"I remember them well. Mr. Finch would come and tidy up my mother's front garden. Mr. Waters was the father of my older sister's school friend, so we often went into the Clock House to their flat. There were two more keepers, and no one climbed over fences in those days!!

I remember too the sheep. I have always wondered who the lady was in black who rode a lovely horse on a Sunday morning (I think) towards Richmond. I used to stand in front of old Fordham's Nursery Garden and watch. She was very nice and always waved to me. Those were the days."

The Twickenham Museum Newsletter, December 2009