Ickenham Pond restoration

Posted on by

The Council have confirmed that work is underway to restore Ickenham Pond. A site notice states that “many invasive species have affected the pond and it is now in need of complete restoration. The project will enhance the pond, increase biodiversity and improve the aesthetic appearance of the surrounding area.”

Image
Pictured here in August 2020 by the Crane Valley Partnership (@CVP_CraneValley )

Vegetation has been cut back regularly over the past few years, including the removal of the overhanging willows visible in the 2016 picture below.

Lilly, Reed Mace, Iris and various grasses have thrived recently and dragon and damselflies are a common site in summer months. But Parrot’s Feather and New Zealand Pigmyweed (likely to be the invasive species mentioned in the Council notice) have continued to spread and dominate.

It is reassuring that the Council are committed to increase the biodiversity of the pond, meaning it will be retained as a nature pond, rather than as a purely ornamental feature.

The work is being carried out by AGA Group, a Thetford based Aquatic & Fluvial Engineering company.

Work progressing on 22 October 2020
Image
September 2016

Over 65s coffee mornings/afternoons

Posted on by

The new Woodlands Club at 75 Long Lane, Ickenham is now open for the over 65s – Coffee Mornings/Afternoons held each Wednesday and Friday. they also offer Memberships on Mon, Tues and Thurs.
for further information please contact

Dawn Puhlhofer
Manager

Woodlands Club

Tel: 01895 634830 email info@woodlands-club.com
Web: http://www.woodlandscarehome.com

Sheet piling works in West Ruislip from 19 October for three weeks

Posted on by

Sheet piling works in West Ruislip from 19 October for three weeks
Sheet piling works will begin at the West Ruislip site on 19 October. The works are expected to last three weeks.

What we are doing
From the week commencing 19 October we will carry out sheet piling works inside the construction site at West Ruislip. This work will help us to install a temporary tank to be used as stormwater drain to prevent flooding in the work area.
Sheet piles will be installed in sequence along the planned excavation perimeter to provide temporary walls within the ground to support our water tank. A mechanical machine will be used to push steel sheets into the ground.

How this work might affect you
A piling rig, cranes and construction machinery will be visible in the area
during these works.
The project team will take every measure to reduce noise impacts, however
you may notice some construction related noise and vibration.
Sheet piles will be pressed into position. In the event that we find hard
ground or obstacles, a vibro-hammer will be used to disturb the ground and
drive the sheets through the hard areas. Should this method be required, it
will be used for approximately one hour per day.

Duration of works
The activity will take place from w/c 19 October for three weeks.
Hours worked will be Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm and 8am to 1pm Saturdays.
We may be on site for an our before the start and/or end of each shift.

What to expect
Delivery and set up of equipment, cranes and piling rigs.
Our piling methods may involve vibrating piles into the ground.

What we will do
Conduct noise and vibration monitoring to ensure works are within project approval limits.
Use water carts to reduce the amount of dust

Night-time test flights at Northolt 19 and 20 October

Posted on by

Night flying activity can give local residents cause for concern but this is routine activity and a yearly occurrence to calibrate the runway.

FROM RAF Northolt:
“There will be night flying on 19 and 20 Oct during the period 2200 to 0600 on both nights. This is essential flight checking activity in order to calibrate the Instrument Landing System (ILS) and Precision Approach Radar (PAR). Multiple approaches will be flown to both runways in order to assure the safety of the stn’s Navigat