The Hythe Habitat is a community volunteer project organised by the Friends of The Hythe.
The plot of land next to Staines bridge on the Runnymede side of the river in the Egham Hythe Conservation Area is owned by the Environment Agency. It stopped maintaining the plot more than a decade ago, and it then became overgrown, unsightly and insanitary. Under an agreement with the Agency, Friends of The Hythe undertook to transform it into an area for the enjoyment of the local community and benefit of local wildlife. In clearing the site, close to 80 builders’ one-ton bags were filled with vegetation, fly-tipped rubbish and other detritus. Funding was raised from Surrey County and Runnymede Borough Councils, local businesses and not least the community itself. A number of mature trees, hedging, bushes and bulbs were bought and planted.
Wild grasses and flowers were sewn, and a park bench installed. Bird boxes were strategically sited and a Bug Hotel was built with the help of ‘Eco Warriors’ from The Hythe Community Primary School. Volunteers from Royal Holloway University have also helped with site maintenance.
Work began on The Hythe Habitat in 2019 … further plantings and enhancements are planned for 2021 and beyond.