The Beverley Brook Restoration Project aims to transform Barnes Green into a healthier, more flood resilient, and wildlife-rich landscape while improving public use and enjoyment. The river will be reshaped into a more natural, meandering channel with new pools, riffles, and gravel beds to increase flood capacity, encourage biodiversity and improve water flow. Gently reprofiled riverbanks will be planted with native species, creating valuable riparian habitats while reducing erosion and flood risk. To tackle ongoing drainage issues, new swales and French drains will be introduced to absorb surface water and prevent waterlogging on the Green.

The project also focuses on boosting biodiversity through planting new trees, plant species and helping clean the Brook up. A potential new footbridge will connect visitors to a small island created between two channels, while a safe, designated dog paddling area will replace the disused concrete pumping station, protecting sensitive habitats nearby.

Once complete, the project will create a more natural, sustainable, and biodiverse environment, reduce flood risks, and provide a welcoming green space for the whole community to enjoy for years to come.

The Beverley Brook Restoration Project is one of our Community BlueScapes projects.

Community BlueScapes is a partnership between London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, Barnes Common Limited, and WWT. We are coming together to create healthier neighbourhoods in the Beverley Brook catchment in Richmond and ensure our communities are flood and weather resilient in the near future. 

We’ve been awarded £6million by the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs as part of the £200 million Flood and Coastal Innovation Programmes managed by the Environment Agency. The programme will drive innovation in flood and coastal resilience and help our residents adapt to a changing climate.