Work begins to remove invasive plants at a popular Rickmansworth play area
The removal of invasive non native species in the Ebury Play Area is beginning, paving the way for the anticipated re-opening of the much-loved playground.
Remediation works to safely remove the Japanese Knotweed and other invasive weeds at the site by Riverside Drive in Rickmansworth has started on Wednesday 18 March 2026 and is expected to take up to 16 weeks to be completed.
Council contractors, The School Renovation Company, who have previously delivered playground improvement works at Denham Way and most recently at Barton Way, will work with invasive plant specialists Environet, to deliver the full remediation of the site, including removal of invasive weeds, soil replacement, landscaping and rebuilding of the playground.
The closure of Ebury Play Area after the refurbishment works unfortunately had to be extended last year after an extensive area of the site was discovered to be contaminated with Japanese Knotweed just days before its planned reopening.
The plant is classed as an invasive non-native species and can cause significant damage and disrupt local ecosystems if it spreads. As a result of this, Japanese Knotweed and its remediation is subject to strict legal controls and conditions
Cllr Sarah Nelmes, the council’s Deputy Leader and Lead Member for General Public Services, said: “I am pleased that we have now able to agree and commence a programme of site works that will enable the re-opening of the much-loved Ebury Play Area in the very near future.
“It’s disappointing that it has taken this long - and I apologise for the inconvenience. Unfortunately, we couldn’t just open the play area as it is an offence to allow plants, such as Japanese Knotweed, to spread. “
Cllr Stephen Giles-Medhurst OBE, Leader of Three Rivers District Council, added: “The delay has been unfortunate, and I am sorry about that but we had to get this right. So, subject to weather conditions and other factors, our new contractors will be working as quickly as possible so that children and families can enjoy the new and improved play equipment.”
Further updates on the Ebury Play Area refurbishment can be found here.
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