River Restoration Opportunity

Project driver

Amenity (place making), flood reduction and nature/biodiversity

Restoration Type

Habitat enhancement and constructed wetland

Project description

There is large flood storage potential in Cator Park: the river currently has 1m high concrete banks and a concrete channel bed, and there is a lot of open space available along the left bank. Environmental and amenity improvements to this park are a priority for Bromley Council. NFM measures to be implemented would therefore include concrete removal, bank reprofiling, remeandering, reconnection to the floodplain, the installation of large wood deflectors and brash berms and the creation of a series of online wetland ponds – all of which would replace existing grassland. Consequently, reduced flood risk would be experienced by properties, local businesses and roads between New Beckenham and Lower Sydenham stations. Local businesses have been pursuing flood storage mechanisms for a number of years due to frequent flooding here, so this river and floodplain restoration project would provide this benefit as well as amenity, biodiversity and climate resilience benefits.