The Beverley Brook in Barnes has been transformed as part of a Richmond Council river restoration project.
The changes are intended to reduce flood risk while providing more habitats, food and shelter for wildlife and creating a greener public space.
The project is part of a wider programme designed to improve the area’s resilience to climate change.

Councillor Julia Neden-Watts is chair of Richmond Council’s Environment, Sustainability, Culture and Sports Committee.
She said: “Not only do we have a beautiful space for people and wildlife to enjoy for years to come, we’ve also increased capacity to respond to heavy rainfall.
“It has been a fantastic team effort.”
Although the main construction works are complete, the landscape is expected to continue developing as new habitats form and wildlife returns.

The work, completed on 1 October by Community BlueScapes, has given the brook a more natural path and created a new island, which can be reached via an accessible footbridge.
The Community BlueScapes fund provides up to £5,000 for local projects to help neighbourhoods adapt to climate change.
The project was backed by a £6 million award as part of the Environment Agency’s £200 million Flood and Coastal Innovation Programme, which runs from 2021 to 2027.
Featured image credit: Richmond Council






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