The Roding Rises

The River Roding through Ilford Golf Course

The River Roding, located in the Roding, Beam & Ingrebourne Catchment, has suffered decades of pollution and neglect from its source in rural Essex to where it meets the Thames at Barking Creek. Historically, the River Roding has been heavily modified – straightened, widened and deepened – resulting in the loss of important habitats and ecosystems, as well as restricting fish movement. The river also suffers from agricultural, industrial, road runoff and sewage pollution.

At the same time, large sections of the river have been left inaccessible to the public, leaving communities disconnected from the natural spaces it provides. Recent surveys showed that many people living within walking distance of the Roding in the London boroughs of Newham, Barking & Dagenham and Redbridge were unaware of the river’s existence.

Thanks to funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Environment Agency, Thames21 is leading the delivery of ‘The Roding Rises’, a three-year project (2026–2029), in partnership with organisations across the Roding, Beam & Ingrebourne Catchment. The project was developed by the Roding, Beam & Ingrebourne Catchment Partnership, drawing on considerable experience in community engagement and river restoration alongside extensive knowledge of the Roding Catchment. This catchment partnership includes the London boroughs of Redbridge, Newham and Barking & Dagenham, the Environment Agency, the River Roding Trust, the Roding Farm Cluster, Essex County Council and Thames21.

Together with local communities, volunteers, environmental organisations and other stakeholders, the project aims to improve water quality, restore natural habitats, help reconnect people with their local river and continue to build long-term community-led environmental stewardship.

The project will:

  • deliver targeted, on-the-ground river restoration projects and encourage sustainable land management;
  • help more people connect with, enjoy and value the river through volunteering, citizen science, events, community activities and projects to improve public access; and
  • bring together local communities, organisations, landowners and stakeholders to develop a shared vision for the river’s future and support its long-term care and management.

The project has six key focus areas:

1. Habitat Restoration

  • Deliver a major river restoration project in the Upper Roding by re-meandering a 500m straightened section of the river.
  • Deliver additional river improvement and restoration projects at multiple locations along the River Roding through the Roding Grant Scheme, supporting community groups and other stakeholders to enhance the river and its surrounding environment (see Section 5 for more information).
  • Benefits will include:
    • restoring natural river processes;
    • increasing biodiversity by creating a wider range of habitats and improving conditions for wildlife, including brown trout;
    • improving water quality;
    • reducing the risk of flooding downstream; and
    • increasing resilience to climate change by increasing the river’s capacity to store water, helping to reduce the impacts of drought.
The re-meandering project will take place through the field on the right-hand side of this photograph

2. River Connections  

  • Deliver a programme of events and activities to help local communities connect with the river and each other, including a River Walking Festival and ‘River Testimonies’.
  • Build a representative community network and better understand how people value and interact with the River Roding.
  • Support the development of local River Action Groups by training and empowering volunteers and community members.
  • Create new opportunities for people to enjoy, celebrate and champion their local river.
RBI Catchment Partnership members during a walk on the River Roding

 3. Citizen Science  

  • Train volunteers to carry out targeted monitoring of the River Roding, including water quality and biodiversity surveys.
  • Build a clearer understanding of the river’s health and identify areas where action is needed.
  • Make data collected by volunteers publicly available and use it to support evidence-based action and advocacy for the river.
Water sampling on the River Roding at Roding Valley Park

4. Lower Roding Masterplan

  • Co-design a masterplan for the Lower Roding with local communities, landowners, stakeholders and partner organisations.
  • Develop a shared long-term vision for the river that helps shape future planning, investment and regeneration.
  • Identify opportunities to improve public access, recreation, river health and habitats, ensuring future development delivers benefits for both people and the river.
  • Begin carrying out targeted improvements that help more people access, enjoy and experience the River Roding.
Example of a Masterplan for a section of river in the London Lea Catchment. Developed by Colvin and Moggridge. Source: https://www.colmog.co.uk/riverine-centre-mosque-masterplan-for-transformation-of-east-london-wasteland/

5. Roding Grant Scheme

  • Establish and administer a £125,000 ‘Roding Grant Scheme’ to enable
  • community members and stakeholders along the River Roding to deliver projects that enhance the river’s natural heritage and connection to people.
  • Timeline: The first round of the grant scheme is proposed for September 2026.
Volunteer restoration efforts on the Lower Roding at Wanstead Park

6. Building Local Capacity and Legacy 

  • Support local groups and partners to build the skills, resources and local leadership needed to continue improving and caring for the River Roding long into the future.
  • Work with an independent evaluator to capture learning from the project, develop a long-term Legacy Plan and share successful approaches that can inspire similar river-based projects elsewhere.

How to Get Involved? 

  • Keep an eye on our Events webpage for upcoming opportunities. 

 

The Roding Rises is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, we have been able to develop this three-year project, which aims to continue the restoration of the River Roding, helping local communities reconnect with, care for and celebrate London’s third-longest river.

About the Heritage Fund

The National Lottery Heritage Fund is the largest funder for the UK’s heritage. Using money raised by National Lottery players we support projects that connect people and communities to heritage. Our vision is for heritage to be valued, cared for and sustained for everyone, now and in the future. From historic buildings, our industrial legacy and the natural environment, to collections, traditions, stories and more. Heritage can be anything from the past that people value and want to pass on to future generations. We believe in the power of heritage to ignite the imagination, offer joy and inspiration, and to build pride in place and connection to the past.

 

The Environment Agency is also supporting The Roding Rises through providing match-funding via its Water Environment Improvement Fund.

The Roding Rises has been developed collaboratively with multiple partners including those in the Roding, Beam & Ingrebourne Catchment Partnership.