Queensmead Recreation Ground, London Borough of Bromley
RIVER RAVENSBOURNE RESTORATION PROPOSAL
PROJECT UPDATE JANUARY 2026
We’d like to extend our sincere thanks to the hundreds of local residents, park users, community group members, and local councillors who attended our public consultation drop‑in sessions on 17th September 2025. The high turnout was a positive reflection of the community’s interest. The next update on this webpage will be a summary of the public feedback we have received on all of the draft designs.
Here are the next steps:
1. Ground investigations: We need to carry out ground investigations near to the river in the park before finalising the detailed design. This is to understand what’s underground, the subsurface (soil, rock, water) and identify any contamination. We expect to complete them by March 2026. AFC Shortlands will be informed in advance of any activity to ensure there is no disruption to training or games.
2. New detailed design: EDITED 5.2.2026 Our consultant has all the feedback you shared at the drop ins and by email and this is being used to create the new draft river restoration design, which we aim to share with you by May 2026.
Phase one – Site suitability: Done
• A feasibility study confirmed site suitability and three high-level optioneering designs, shown further down on this page.
• A feasibility study is an assessment that evaluates the practicality and viability of a proposed project, analysing factors such as environmental benefits, flood risk, water quality, buildability, biodiversity uplift and amenity value.
Phase two – Concept design: In Progress
• We developed early concept designs for all three options, with the most complex option explored in greater detail to assess the technical feasibility.
• No preferred option has been selected.
• Progress has paused while we review flood risk, public feedback and overall feasibility.
• A new design is now being developed based on this information.
• This process ensures the project reflects local priorities voiced by the Queensmead Recreation Ground community and local residents.
Together, we’re using your insights to refine the proposed design, so it achieves both the environmental goals of the river restoration and the needs and aspirations of the local community. Our aim is to create a space that enhances the river’s natural environment while remaining welcoming, accessible, and enjoyable for everyone who uses Queensmead Recreational Ground.
3. Flood risk:
Ensuring the project does not increase flood risk is a key design requirement and will remain a priority, tested throughout against the completed flood‑modelling work.
If the detailed design introduces changes that fall outside the parameters tested in the outline modelling, then the model will be updated and re‑run to ensure it properly reflects the final design. This is a normal part of the process for projects of this type.
Before granting a Flood Risk Activity Permit (FRAP), the Environment Agency must be fully satisfied that the final design will not increase flood risk. The project will not move forward unless this requirement is met.
4. Permissions and funding:
At this stage, we are sharing an update on our process to keep you informed and to gather ongoing feedback. No permissions or funding have been sought, and no final decisions have been made.
GET INVOLVED
Public feedback has been essential in shaping the project to reflect the needs of both the local environment and the community.
If you have further thoughts, questions that aren’t covered in the FAQs, or would like to receive project updates and information about future consultation events, we’d be very happy to hear from you.
Please get in touch with the team, Catriona and Francesca by emailing: T21Ravensbourne@thames21.org.uk
KEEP INFORMED
This project webpage will continue to serve as the main source of project information.
Posters in the park will be used to advertise future events, with the URL and a QR code to direct park users to this webpage.
RESTORATION PROPOSAL
The heavily modified stretch of the Ravensbourne River, which flows through the centre of Queensmead Recreation Ground in a deep, concrete-lined channel, lacks natural ecological functionality, provides limited biodiversity benefits, and contributes to flood risk in the wider area.
The Ravensbourne can be a place of beauty, but like many London rivers it faces the pressures of water quality issues created by urban pollution and being straightened by hard engineered structures.
For a river to remain healthy and natural, it needs space to meander (wiggle) which is more important than ever as climate change-related droughts and floods are having a devastating impact on our natural ecosystems, putting extra stress on our rivers and the wildlife that depend on them.
To help solve these issues, we are proposing a major restoration project to transform this section of the river, enhancing flood resilience, improving biodiversity, supporting the current public amenities (recreational activities) on the floodplain including the local football club AFC Shortlands, as well as creating new areas.
WHY RESTORE THE RAVENSBOURNE?
Climate change is on our doorstep, so we need to bring the River Ravensbourne back to its natural state to make it healthy to withstand potential flooding and protect the areas, homes and businesses that surround it.
We propose to re-naturalise 245 meters of a heavily modified river by removing artificial modifications to the river, enhancing its natural hydromorphology (the physical character of the river), and improving its ecosystem.
There is a growing movement towards natural flood management (NFM) which works with nature to slow the flow of water entering rivers, create natural flood storage and reconnect rivers to their flood plains.
The project will actively involve the local community in river restoration efforts, engaging in activities like vegetation management, clean ups and river restoration activities.
The two photographs show the completed restoration of a section of the Turkey Brook in Albany Park, creating better access to nature while also strengthening flood protection for nearby homes.
Enhance Biodiversity
We need to protect our natural habitats and wildlife. So, we aim to improve the ecological health of the Ravensbourne and its riparian zone by reconnecting habitats, increasing species diversity, and creating a new wetland and in-channel features that support a thriving ecosystem.
Reduce Flood Risk and Improve Climate Resilience
Implementing restoration measures such as floodplain reconnection, bank reprofiling, and wetland creation, will enhance flood storage capacity, slow water flow, and increase resilience to extreme weather events.
Increased Amenity and Recreation Value
It will enhance community engagement with the river through improved public access, recreational spaces, and educational opportunities, fostering a greater connection between people and nature while providing aesthetic and health benefits and long-term stewardship.
Overall, we aim to work with our volunteers, partners and the local community to make a real difference in building climate resilience in our rivers and help to protect them for people and for wildlife.
WHEN WILL THIS HAPPEN?
To protect communities against flood risk into the future and to allow improved access to and engagement with the river, we will undertake activities through a phased approach.
Ultimately, the delivery and subsequent phases of the project depends on multiple factors, including securing landowner permission from the London Borough of Bromley, obtaining sufficient funding, and addressing any constraints posed by the current financial climate.
Please click here to read the FAQs section based on questions we’ve received so far from members of the public.
GLASSMILL POND VOLUNTEERING
Thames21 led a restoration project at the neighbouring Glassmill Pond: www.thames21.org.uk/improving-rivers/the-river-ravensbourne-and-glassmill-pond/
The Glassmill Pond & Queensmead Recreation Ground River Channel River Action Group (GP RAG) invites volunteers to join their sessions in partnership with the Friends of Bromley Town Parks & Gardens.
The group host activities that include vegetation management, river-clean ups, river restoration, monitoring and much more. For information about the upcoming events please visit: https://bromleytownparks.wordpress.com/events/
QUEENSMEAD RECREATION GROUND RESTORATION OPTIONS
The following four design options were shared with stakeholders and park users at the first onsite drop in event on 23rd January 2025, visible on this webpage and displayed at the September public consultation. The updated designs based on public feedback and flood modelling will be shared when available on this webpage.
Option 1 – Do nothing, leave the river in the concrete channel.
Option 2 – In-channel Enhancements
Option 3 – Left bank reprofiling
Option 4 – Channel Realignment
FLOODING ADVICE AND POLLUTION REPORTING
If you notice anything unusual in the water, whether it’s a strange smell, colour, or substance, please report it as suspected pollution to:
- The Environment Agency (EA):
Call their 24-hour hotline at 0800 80 70 60. - Thames Water:
Visit their webpage to report pollution online. www.thameswater.co.uk/help/water-and-waste-help/pollution
The more reports and evidence we gather, the better we can work together to prevent future incidents. Thank you for your help!
ABOUT THE RAVENSBOURNE CATCHMENT PARTNERSHIP
A key aspect of this project is the partnership work through the Ravensbourne Catchment Improvement Group (RCIG). This formed in 2012 in order to represent a wide range of local stakeholders with a shared interest in improving the whole Ravensbourne catchment system to benefit local people and riverine habitats.
Formed as part of the UK Government’s Catchment-Based Approach initiative, catchment partnerships help implement obligations for protecting and improving water environments under the Water Framework Directive .
The RCIG hosts a wide range of partners such as the Environment Agency, Thames Water, Bromley Council, Bromley Town Parks and Gardens and other community groups. This partnership working is crucial to the success of local projects and ensures that all stakeholders are onboard with opportunities to improve river habitat throughout the catchment.
WFD Info: https://environment.data.gov.uk/catchment-planning/WaterBody/GB106039023260
Queensmead Recreation Ground Optioneering Project (Phase 2) is funded by the Environment Agency WEIF programme, to be delivered by Thames21.
We would like to thank our partners for all their support. We are working in partnership with:
