Queen Mother's Park
ARBORICULTURE & ECOLOGY
Client
Ashford Borough Council
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Project Type
Parks
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Location
Ashford
Status
Complete 2026
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Images
Audley Group
Queen Mother’s Park in Ashford forms part of the Ashford Green Corridor Local Nature Reserve and provides an important riverside green space within an urban setting. TMA were commissioned to undertake habitat surveys, ecological assessment, and prepare a five-year Landscape and Ecological Management Plan (LEMP) to enhance biodiversity, improve public amenity, and support a Green Flag Award application.
Overview
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The project began with an Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey and botanical assessment, supported by Biological Records Data to identify protected and notable species within 2km of the site.
A nocturnal walkover assessed bat activity and lighting impacts.
Key habitats identified included amenity grassland, MG1 false oat-grass meadow, woodland, scrub, riparian corridors along the River Great Stour, and a wet ditch system. The management proposals focused on meadow extension, woodland diversification, wet ditch restoration, riverbank clearance, winter-interest planting, and the creation of a community orchard.
Challenges
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Queen Mother’s Park faced ecological and operational challenges, including species-poor amenity grassland, overshaded riverbanks and a declining wet ditch system, invasive species and fly-tipping pressures. Fragmented habitats within an urban setting, and the need to balance biodiversity enhancement with high levels of public access and recreation.
Our Approach
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A structured five-year strategy was developed to increase meadow areas through reduced cutting regimes, introduction of yellow rattle to reduce grass vigour, and the removal of arisings to lower nutrient levels and allow wildflowers to thrive.
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Selective woodland thinning and native shrub planting improved structural diversity and resilience to disease. Sections of the riverbank were opened to increase light penetration and aquatic biodiversity. The wet ditch was restored through rotational scrub clearance and dredging.
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Professional Development sessions were also delivered to land management staff to build long-term capacity, equip them to confidently respond to questions from the local community and stakeholders, and support the effective delivery of the management objectives.
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Outcomes
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The plan provides measurable ecological targets, enhanced habitat connectivity, improved aesthetic quality, and stronger community engagement. By combining habitat restoration with public access improvements. Queen Mother’s Park is positioned as a resilient, biodiverse urban green space and a pilot model for future ecological management across the borough.​
​Services Provided
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Ecology Surveys
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Landscape & Ecological Management Plan
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Tree Condition Survey