Two rivers in Barnet and Harrow are set for a major transformation as part of the Action for Silk Stream project. This six-year initiative aims to reduce flooding risks in the Silk Stream catchment and the wider River Brent, while enhancing local ecosystems.
Led by Barnet and Harrow Councils, and supported by the environmental charity Thames21, the project is funded by Defra through the £150 million Flood and Coastal Resilience Innovation Programme managed by the Environment Agency.
Historically, the Burnt Oak Brook and Edgware Brook have been heavily modified, impacting their ecological health. These rivers, which have been straightened and reinforced over the centuries, suffer from pollution due to sewage misconnections and road run-off.
To address these issues, a section of Burnt Oak Brook in Watling Park will be restored to a more natural, winding flow. An underground water drain will also be redirected through wetlands to filter pollutants and create habitats for freshwater species.
In Chandos Park, Edgware Brook will be given a new channel, transforming it into a park feature that supports wildlife and offers a serene environment for visitors. Lynn Scott, Chair of the Chandos Park Community Group, commented, “Many park users don’t even know the stream exists. Asked for their views they say: ‘what stream?’ In the future, it will add interest to the park as well as benefiting wildlife and helping with flooding.”
Sam Bentley-Toon, EMPOWER Rivers Programme Manager at Thames21, added, “These projects will transform the river environment, giving people a sense of the river as a living, breathing entity. It will be a thrilling moment when the river is redirected into its new channel and can find its new path for the first time.”
Construction has started in both parks this month, with completion expected by spring 2025. Enhancements will include tree planting, new paths, and upgraded children’s play areas. Funding comes from Defra, the Mayor of London, Barnet Council, Harrow Council, and Microsoft.
Community involvement has been integral since the project began in autumn 2021. Local preferences have shaped the designs through co-design workshops and consultation events. Lynn Scott said, “The upgrading of the park is much needed especially the planned improvements to the playground and overdue resurfacing of the paths. It is good to see that the planners have listened to our park group (Chandos Park Community Group). Yes, we are all looking forward to our new improved park with its walk by the stream.”
Gabrielle Bailey, founder of the Friends of Watling Park, added, “I welcome the improvements to our park, which will help to make more space for nature and help re-naturalise the Burnt Oak Brook. I also welcome the proposed cafe and improved playground, which I think will help to further cement the Park as a place where all members of our community can come together.”
Volunteers have been essential, assisting with river clean-ups, removing invasive species, gathering water quality data, and promoting the Silk Stream and its tributaries.
The project will provide significant flood storage, holding water in the landscape to protect downstream homes. By restoring rivers and creating wetlands, Action for Silk Stream aims to increase the resilience of the catchment against extreme weather events intensified by climate change.
Future plans include developing similar nature-based flood resilience solutions in other blue and green spaces across the catchment, such as The Meads, Stoneyfields Park, Edgwarebury Park, Bentley Priory Nature Reserve, Beatty Road, and Morecambe Gardens.
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