NFM projects deliver benefits for nature - Ocean and Coastal Futures

Two new natural flood management schemes in the south east of England

Chearsley Wetland – a thriving new habitat on River Thame

Partnership project transforms 17 hectares of floodplain grassland into complex wetland habitat at Manor Farm. Flourishing wildlife and flood management.

Chearsley Wetland recently marked its two-year anniversary, which has seen the site transformed into a shining example of how farming and wildlife can work in harmony to restore landscapes.

As well as a backwater – a large pond connected to the river, where young fish can safely grow to maturity – the project created a variety of shapes and sizes of pools and scrapes (dips in the ground that can fill with water). All these features encourage species of plants, insects and animals that thrive in wetland habitats.

Wetland creation at Watling Park in Burnt Oak London

Watling Park in Burnt Oak will be transformed by an ambitious package of improvements that will reduce the risk of flooding to nearby homes and streets during periods of heavy rainfall.

Barnet Council’s Flood Alleviation Scheme (FAS) for Watling Park will help tackle the climate emergency and support its mission to make the borough net zero by 2042.

Work on the £1.5million project begins this Monday and will see wetlands created along with new and resurfaced paths, tree-planting and an exciting new playground for younger visitors.

The Burnt Oak Brook will be realigned, taking it out of its concrete channel, adding meanders and bringing it further into the park. Specialist plants will be installed to help remove pollutants and improve water quality in the river.

This will make the brook a more visible and appealing feature within the park, as well as improving ecology and biodiversity, and providing a valuable habitat for water-loving wildlife.

Sight lines along the river and through the park will be improved by thinning and removing overgrown vegetation – making it a safer place for everyone. The entrance at Watling Avenue will be upgraded to open up the views, with new railings added.