PROJECT EXAMPLE: Preparing a Thames Bank Site for Summerhouse Construction
SITE OVERVIEW
The property is located along the Thames Bank and features:
- Gated access from the main road, with a concrete entry and small parking area.
- A main plot of grassland, interspersed with planting beds and semi-mature trees.
- Sloping ground leading to the river, with concrete steps and a small jetty.
SURVEY FINDINGS
Invasive Plant Areas
Bamboo:
A dense stand measuring approximately 152.88 sq. metres extends from the riverbank into the lawn, reaching the boundary fence and the site of the old summerhouse. Notable rhizome spread, especially runners into the lawn.
Japanese Knotweed:
Onsite: 22.05 sq. metres, mature but partially suppressed by bamboo; extends to the jetty and water’s edge.
Offsite: 9 sq. metres, contiguous with onsite area; access hampered by dense bamboo.
REMEDIAL WORKS PLAN
To facilitate the planned summerhouse construction and prevent future regrowth, targeted removal and long-term control of invasive species were required.
Bamboo Extraction
Approach:
- Focused on physical extraction of bamboo runners and rhizomes, particularly those invading the lawn.
- Culms (aerial stems) were cut and removed.
- Excavation of the underlying rootzone and rhizome network to a maximum depth of 200mm
- Systematic sifting of surrounding soil to extract all running rhizomes.
Post-Extraction Measures:
- All plant material stockpiled and removed from site by grab lorry.
- Excavated area backfilled with certified topsoil.
- Installation of a vertical root barrier along the bamboo boundary to prevent future spread.
Japanese Knotweed Management
Onsite and Offsite Areas:
- Bamboo clearance enabled access to previously obstructed knotweed stands.
- Initiation of a 5-year herbicide treatment and monitoring programme for both onsite and offsite knotweed areas, as well as any remaining bamboo.
- The programme includes annual assessments and retreatment as necessary to ensure effective long-term control.
OUTCOMES
- Immediate improvement in site condition, enabling safe and compliant development for the summerhouse.
- Long-term management plan in place to monitor and suppress regrowth of both bamboo and Japanese knotweed.
- Installation of root barriers and removal of invasive species supports sustainable land use and protects the Thames bank ecosystem.
- This approach ensures both immediate site readiness for construction and responsible, ongoing management of invasive plants.
If you have a Bamboo infestation you’d like cleared, please contact the team and we’ll provide you with a quote.