Barnes Green river restoration brings wildlife island and flood protection

Barnes Green river restoration has transformed a stretch of Beverley Brook into a meandering natural channel, complete with a new wildlife island accessible by footbridge. The project, completed as part of the Community BlueScapes programme, addresses flooding concerns while creating healthier habitats for local species. If you walk the brook regularly, you will notice the wider riverbanks, new tree planting, and wildflower meadows already taking root.

The council-backed scheme combines flood management with ecological improvement, a dual approach designed to protect nearby properties while enhancing biodiversity.

How the river channel has changed

The brook now follows a more natural path.

Where the Beverley Brook once ran straight through Barnes Green, it now meanders in gentle curves that slow water flow during heavy rainfall. The new island, positioned mid-stream, breaks up the current and provides nesting sites for waterfowl. An accessible footbridge allows walkers to cross and explore both banks without disturbing the habitat. The riverbanks themselves have been reshaped with native planting, replacing eroded edges with wildflower strips and young trees chosen to thrive in wet conditions.

The slower, wider channel absorbs peak rainfall more effectively than the previous straight run, reducing downstream flooding risk.

What the Community BlueScapes programme delivers

This is part of a wider investment in water resilience.

Community BlueScapes is a partnership initiative that combines flood defence engineering with green infrastructure. The Barnes Green work is one of several sites across the borough where rivers and streams are being restored to more natural profiles. Councillor Julia Neden-Watts, Chair of the Environment, Sustainability, Culture and Sports Committee, described the project as a chance to see flood resilience and wildlife improvement working together. Similar interventions are planned or underway at other local watercourses, with each site tailored to its specific hydrology and surrounding landscape.

The programme reflects a shift from hard flood defences to nature-based solutions that deliver multiple benefits at once.

What this means for you

If you live or work near Barnes Green, the improved flood capacity should reduce the risk of waterlogging during autumn and winter storms. The accessible footbridge and new paths make the brook easier to explore, particularly for wheelchair users and pushchairs. Keep an eye on the wildflower strips through spring, when the first meadow plants will begin to establish. The council has signposted the site with information panels explaining the restoration work and identifying the wildlife you might spot, from kingfishers to dragonflies.

The Barnes Green restoration combines practical flood defence with habitat creation, a model the borough is extending to other watercourses. The new island and accessible paths make the brook a more inviting destination for local walks.

Frequently asked questions

Will the new river channel prevent flooding in Barnes?

The meandering design and wider banks are intended to slow water flow and absorb excess rainfall, reducing downstream flood risk. It is part of a borough-wide approach to water resilience, not a standalone flood barrier.

Can I access the new island at Barnes Green?

Yes. An accessible footbridge connects both banks and allows you to reach the island. The bridge is designed for wheelchair users, pushchairs and mobility aids.

What wildlife can I expect to see along Beverley Brook?

The restored habitat is designed for waterfowl, dragonflies, kingfishers and native aquatic plants. Wildflower meadows will also support pollinators once the planting matures.

Are there other river restoration sites in Richmond?

Yes. The Community BlueScapes programme includes several watercourses across the borough, each tailored to local hydrology and landscape. Details of other sites are available through the council’s environment pages.

Useful resources

• https://www.richmond.gov.uk/services/environment