A WILDLIFE project at Yeading Brook was given civic approval when the Mayor Hillingdon put on waders and helped remove invasive species from the riverbank.

Cllr John Morgan got stuck in at Stafford Road open space by removing Himalayan Balsam as the London Wildlife Trust, the Environment Agency, and Hillingdon Council officially opened a restored section of the river.

Stafford Road open space is situated in the South Ruislip floodplain of Yeading Brook, part of the Crane Valley landscape and a tributary of the Thames.

Work began in January to reconnect former meanders and create a backwater, which provides a habitat for fish and other aquatic wildlife and increases the resilience of the river and its wildlife against threats such as flooding and pollution.

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Trust volunteers, with help from Aquamaintain contractors and staff from Blue Sky during a Wild Workday, have also planted 900 wetland plants along the banks.

The wetlands allow plants, insects and birds to move easily around the open space and further afield.

Restoration work has also opened the river up to visitors, who previously would not have been able to see this part of Yeading Brook as it was so overgrown.

The Willow Tree Wander Trail passes through the site and is well used by residents.