A Case Study Of A Sustainably Restored River.
River Quaggy, Chinbrook Meadows
Location of the River Quaggy: Lewisham, London, UK
Date of restoration: Spring 2002 until Autumn 2002
Cost: £104000
Restorer: The river restoration Centre
Before: The river Quaggy was channelised and straightened between the 1960’s and 70’s. The river was lined with concrete, and surrounded by a concrete wall and high fences, which meant it was not accessible to the public or wildlife.
Objective of river restoration: To restore the natural beauty of the river, and make it accessible to the public. To reinstate the natural floodplain as the flood prevention technique, as part of a large catchment area. To allow ecosystems to flourish and grow.
After: The concrete channel in the river was replaced by a sediment channel, allowing easy access. It was cut to follow its path prior to channelisation. Whilst cutting the channel old gravels were moved and sufficient space was left along the river corridor to allow for natural adjustment, such as meandering. The margins of the channel were planted using a reputable source of native wetland plants (including iris, water mint and reeds), a wetland grass and wild flower mix was also sown, which gave the river eco system a helping hand. One section downstream has not been planted since there was a request from the local people to allow natural colonisation. Flood storage ponds were included in the scheme and at the upstream section a boardwalk, pond dipping and, educational area, were incorporated to attract local school children.
River Restoration Projects views: “This project is an excellent example of a partnership initiative that has not only restored the river and floodplain, but has also paid careful attention to improving the park amenities. Although the channel work was only completed in spring 2002 by September 2002 there had already been considerable movement of gravels and natural geomorphologic features including a pool/riffle sequence, gravel bars and steeper banks had...
View Full Essay