New wetlands bring nature learning and climate resilience to Northbrook Park
Delivered in partnership with the Baring Trust, Network Rail, and Glendale, the project was funded by the Mayor of London’s Rewild London Fund, the Environment Agency and Google via the Bonneville Environmental Foundation. The project marks a major step towards delivering the local community’s long-term vision to create a continuous green corridor linking Grove Park to Elmstead Woods and the Kent countryside.
The new wetlands have transformed a section of Northbrook Park into a thriving habitat for wildlife and a living classroom for local schools. The project has daylighted a previously hidden stream, created two new wetland ponds, and planted thousands of native plants to support biodiversity. The works also include new accessible paths, outdoor learning features, and natural play areas designed to bring people closer to nature.
These improvements will reduce local flood risk, improve water quality, help cool the urban environment, and provide vital habitats for many species. Already, moorhens, dragonflies, newts and frogs have made the wetlands their home, showing the area’s rapid ecological recovery.
Local residents, volunteers, and schoolchildren from Baring Primary, Cooper’s Lane Primary, and St Winifred’s Primary have played a key role in shaping and supporting the project - from planting days to pond-dipping sessions that introduce young people to local wildlife.
Councillor Louise Krupski, Deputy Mayor and Environment, Transport and Climate Action, said: “This project is a wonderful example of what can be achieved when residents, schools and partners come together with a shared vision for their local environment. The new wetlands at Northbrook Park will not only provide a vital refuge for wildlife but will also help to reduce local flood risk and create a beautiful, resilient and educational space for the community to enjoy for generations to come.Lewisham is proud to support local projects that enhance biodiversity, tackle the impacts of climate change and help our residents connect with nature.”
As part of the project, Thames21 is working closely with the community in Northbrook Park through an engagement and education initiative, hosting monthly adult volunteering sessions, every third Friday of the month, as well as family friendly events. With support from Google’s funding via Thames21, the programme will ensure lasting community involvement in caring for and monitoring the wetlands. You can stay informed of upcoming events by visiting the Thames21 website.
Northbrook Park improvements were funded with a grant from round three of the Mayor of London’s Rewild London Fund 2023 which overall awarded £1,030,183 to 21 projects to restore and create wildlife habitats across the capital. Projects are working in around 40 SINCs to restore or create almost 125 ha of habitat. With:
- 2 new wetland ponds
- 660m² of new wildflower meadow and 100m of native hedgerow
- 11 new trees planted and wildlife features installed (including bee banks, bird boxes, and hibernacula)
- Accessible paths, a pond-dipping platform, and repaired outdoor learning space