Ham Lands

Ham Lands is a 72-hectare Local Nature Reserve in Ham, split between the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames. It lies beside the River Thames, bounded on one side by Riverside Drive. The land was once owned by the Earl of Dysart until the 19th century. From 1904 gravel was dug here by the Ham River Grit Co. Ltd, leaving deep pits later filled with soil from London building sites. These filled pits now form varied habitats that attract many birds and butterflies. The reserve has two main sections divided by a lagoon and the Thames Young Mariners centre. North of the lagoon the ground remains floodable, creating meadows rich in wild flowers. Rare London plants grow here, including meadow saxifrage, hemlock water-dropwort, yellow vetchling and several orchids. A BMX track near Teddington Lock is used by local riders outside official paths. Paths cross grassland and scrub, offering views of the river and the old wharf area. Riverside Drive runs along the western edge while the towpath follows the raised Thames bank. The varied soil layers support different plant communities recognised in eight zones after a 1985 survey by Nigel Hepper. Walkers, nature watchers and horse riders share the open space beside the water.