River Brent restoration project aims to bring endangered water voles back to Ealing

A project to improve a section of the River Brent by restoring habitats and boosting biodiversity is set to give endangered water voles a better chance of returning to the river in Ealing.

Thames Water has awarded £146,700 through its ‘Enhance the River Grant’ in a bid to create the conditions needed for water voles to return.

The project, called ‘People, River, Voles: A Shared Restoration Journey on the River Brent’, is supported by the Mayor of London.

Thames21 will work with Ealing Council (London Borough of Ealing), Citizen Zoo and Ealing Wildlife Group on this project to improve a 12km stretch of the River Brent.

Work will reconnect habitats, expand reedbeds, improve riverbanks, remove obsolete structures and tackle invasive species, helping strengthen the river’s ecological resilience.

Once widespread across Britain, endangered water voles play a vital role in healthy river ecosystems. Their grazing helps manage riverside vegetation, while their burrows improve soil health and create opportunities for other wildlife.

The project aims to help create a healthier River Brent where water voles and other wildlife can thrive.

Paul Hampton, Healthy Rivers Community Manager at Thames Water said: “We’re proud to support this project to restore habitats, improve biodiversity and help create the conditions needed for water voles to return to the River Brent.

“We recognise that pollution, including from our wastewater network, can impact river health and that we have an important role to play in improving the environment. That’s why we’re undertaking the biggest upgrade to our wastewater infrastructure in more than 150 years, helping to create a more resilient network while protecting and improving rivers across our region.

“Working in partnership with organisations like Thames21 and Ealing Council is vital to helping nature recover and ensuring rivers like the Brent can thrive for generations to come.”

Chris Coode, CEO at environmental charity Thames21, said: “This project will give water voles a real chance to return to the River Brent. By restoring natural river processes, creating richer bankside vegetation and improving water quality we’re transforming this constrained stretch of river into a thriving corridor for wildlife.

“Importantly, we’re also working with the local community to give people the opportunity to help restore, protect and care for this valuable natural place. Together with our partners we’re creating a healthier, more resilient River Brent for both people and wildlife, laying the foundations for the return of one of Britan’s most iconic river animals.”

Cllr Lauren Wall, Cabinet Member for Thriving Communities, Ealing Council said: “This project is a wonderful example of how the Regional Park can benefit both people and nature. By improving habitats along the River Brent and supporting the return of water voles, we’re helping to create a greener, more biodiverse environment while giving residents more opportunities to connect with the natural world on their doorstep. It’s a positive step towards a healthier river and a thriving Regional Park for future generations.”

The River Brent project forms part of the wider West London Regional Park programme and will work closely with residents and community groups to improve habitats, increase ecological diversity and strengthen people’s connection with the river.

The West London Regional Park will connect more than 500 hectares of parks, rivers, canals, wetlands and routes across the boroughs of Ealing and Hounslow, creating a joined-up landscape for nature, climate resilience, recreation and healthier communities. The programme is backed by £1,459,696 from the Mayor of London and £999,595 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund through the Nature Towns and Cities programme and is being developed by a partnership including Ealing Council, Hounslow Council, the Greater London Authority, the National Trust, the Environment Agency and the Canal & River Trust.

The project also supports the ambitions of the Mayor of London’s Clean Rivers and Waterways Plan, published in July 2026, which sets out a ten-year approach to reducing pollution, reviving nature and improving access to London’s waterways.

A key long-term ambition is to support the return of water voles to the River Brent. The restoration works will create the sheltered habitats and refuge areas needed to support any future reintroduction.