Battling heat, boosting nature: summer conservation work across Elmbridge

Despite the recent hot weather, Elmbridge’s Countryside Team has been working hard to ensure residents can continue to enjoy the borough’s countryside sites safely while protecting and improving habitats for local wildlife. 

Keeping countryside sites safe and accessible 

The warm, dry conditions have brought a number of challenges across local countryside sites. Higher temperatures can make trees more vulnerable to damage, resulting in branches snapping and falling onto paths, roads and other well-used areas. The team has been carrying out additional inspections and clearance work to keep routes safe and accessible for visitors. 

Summer conditions accelerate the growth of vegetation. Rangers have been busy cutting back overgrown plants along footpaths, bridleways and commons, helping to maintain access for walkers, cyclists, horse riders and people with mobility needs.  

Grass cutting and strimming in key areas are also helping to ensure countryside sites remain welcoming and easy to navigate throughout the busy summer period. 

Tackling oak processionary moth 

The hot weather has also encouraged oak processionary moth (OPM) caterpillars to develop more quickly this year. 

To help manage the issue, the council has recruited an apprentice Countryside Ranger to monitor OPM activity across the borough and support the coordination of nest removals in higher-risk locations, particularly close to homes, schools and areas frequently used by vulnerable residents. 

Although caterpillars will have pupated and left their nests by August, residents are still urged to avoid any signposted areas, as abandoned nests can continue to contain thousands of irritating hairs that may pose health risks to people and animals. 

Protecting habitats and boosting biodiversity 

Alongside access improvements, the Countryside Team continues to deliver important biodiversity work across Elmbridge's countryside sites. 

During the summer months, rangers clear ditches on commons that provide valuable habitats and wildlife corridors for a wide range of species. Maintaining these features helps support local biodiversity while ensuring water can flow effectively through the landscape. 

The team is also tackling invasive Himalayan balsam at sites including West End Common and The Ledges in Esher. Himalayan balsam has spread rapidly along riverbanks and wetlands, outcompeting native plants and increasing the risk of erosion. 

By removing the plant before it can spread further, the team is creating space for native species to thrive and helping restore a healthier balance within local ecosystems. 

Community volunteers making a difference 

This important conservation work is supported by dedicated volunteers who regularly join weekly work parties to help remove Himalayan balsam and carry out practical habitat management. 

The countryside rangers have also been delighted to welcome support from the 4th Weybridge Scouts, Esher District Brownies and Girls Guides and Thames Ditton Cubs. Their enthusiasm and hard work have made a valuable contribution to local conservation efforts while providing opportunities to learn more about nature and the environment. 

Looking ahead 

Further improvements are planned later this summer to make countryside sites more accessible and enjoyable for visitors. 

At Oxshott Heath, contractors will merge two smaller car parks into a single larger facility. As a busy countryside space. this site requires good-quality infrastructure to support access. 

The council is also planning to replace several eroded bridges at Leigh Hill in Cobham, improving accessibility and ensuring visitors can continue to enjoy the area's natural landscapes safely. 

Through investment in maintenance, accessibility improvements and habitat conservation, the Countryside Team is helping ensure Elmbridge's countryside remains welcoming, safe and rich in wildlife for residents and visitors alike. 

Find out more about we manage local countryside sites. 

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