The River Harrow has been revitalized as part of the £150m programme

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 flood risks in the Silk Stream catchment and the wider River Brent, while improving local ecosystems.

Led by Barnet and Harrow Councils and supported by environmental charity Thames21, the project is funded by Defra through the £150m Innovation Programme, managed by the Environment Agency.

Historically, Burnt Oak Brook and Edgware Brook have been heavily altered, impacting their ecological health. These rivers, which have been straightened and strengthened over the centuries, suffer from pollution due to sewage connections and road runoff.

To address these issues, a section of Burnt Oak Brook in Watling Park will be restored to a more natural and meandering flow. An underground drain will also be rerouted through the wetlands to filter pollutants and create habitats for freshwater species.

In Chandos Park, Edgware Brook will receive a new channel, transforming it into a park feature that supports wildlife and provides a serene environment for visitors. Lynn Scott, Chair of Chandos Park Community Group, commented: “Many park users don’t even know the stream exists. Asked for their opinions, they say, “what stream?” In the future it will add interest to the park as well as benefit wildlife and help with flooding.”

Sam Bentley-Toon, EMPOWER Rivers Program Manager at Thames21, added: “These projects will transform the river’s environment, giving people a sense of the river as a living, breathing entity. It will be an exciting time when the river is redirected into its new channel and can find its new way for the first time.”

Construction began on both parks this month, with completion expected by spring 2025. Improvements will include tree planting, new trails 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 fall 2021. Local preferences have shaped the projects through co-design workshops and consultation events. Lynn Scott said: “Improvement of the park is much needed, particularly the planned improvements to the playground and 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 the creek walk.”

Gabrielle Bailey, founder of Friends of Watling Park, added: “I welcome the improvements to our park which will help make more space for nature and help renaturalise Burnt Oak Brook. I also welcome the proposed cafe and improved playground which I believe will help strengthen the park as a place where all members of our community can come together.”

Volunteers have been essential, assisting with river cleanups, removing invasive species, collecting water quality data, and promoting the Silk Stream and its tributaries.

The project will provide significant flood storage, retaining water in the landscape to protect homes downstream. By restoring rivers and creating wetlands, Action for Silk Stream aims to increase the watershed’s resilience against extreme weather events intensified by climate change.

Future plans include developing similar nature-based flood resilience solutions in other blue and green spaces in the catchment such as The Meads, Stoneyfields Park, Edgwarebury Park, Bentley Priory Nature Reserve, Beatty Road and Morecambe Gardens.