, Fields,

“I’ve spent hours paddling in the meandering river with my young daughter. You would never know you were in Lewisham!” Chris, local resident The story so far How has it helped wildlife?

The river ran through a concrete channel in a  Surveys show a near 100% increase in dark, unloved corner of the park. Low light number of species; particularly fishing levels made the site unpopular with locals birds. and limited the number of species which AFTER – vegetation lines the river as it meanders through the park fields ©Bill Green Photography could live within and beside the water. This How has it helped people? restoration project liberated the river from  Before the restoration works, only 44% its old channel by meandering it back of visitors felt safe in the park. Now, through the centre of the park; giving it 78% of visitors feel safe. more room to safely store flood water during  Use of the park has more than rainy spells and creating more habitats for doubled. wildlife, including kingfishers and herons. How does it help protect against flooding? The river was restored by  Excavated material raised land levels  Providing a broader range of habitat by BEFORE – The River Ravensbourne was entirely meaning that the river now has the hidden from view prior to the restoration effort varying the riverbed depth with a new space to increase and decrease its flow © Lewisham Council

gravel-bed during heavy rainfall without causing  Removing railings and creating new flooding elsewhere. access points to the river  Creating small side channels called Partnership organisations backwaters for fish to rest in  Creating river terraces and meanders Borough of Lewisham, EU’s LIFE  Installing new footpaths and improving Environment fund, Environment Agency, park entrances Building Design Partnership, Arup, Fergal Contracting Nearest Station: Ladywell