Queensmead Recreation Ground, London Borough of Bromley

RIVER RAVENSBOURNE 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 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.

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, detailed here in the Queensmead Recreation Ground project timeline.

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. 

Phase one and phase two have been completed:

Phase one – Options development: 

• Included carrying out a feasibility study to confirm 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: 

• The development of option four, identified as the preference during the feasibility study. It involved refining the design to a stage where the key design principles, layout, and functionality are clearly defined, forming the basis for the next phases of design and planning.
• This included design drawings, hydraulic modelling of flood risk improvements, topographic surveys, stakeholder consultations and artistic impressions of the proposed project.

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. It was fantastic to see such strong engagement from across the community.

Phase 3 – Detailed design:

Since the consultation, we have moved into the detailed design phase, where we are incorporating public feedback alongside technical detail and new design drawings.

We have been working closely with our appointed consultant, who has received a comprehensive briefing that includes all the valuable feedback you shared during the drop‑in sessions and via email. This feedback is being carefully reviewed and will play a key role in shaping the next stage of the park’s design.

We are continuing to develop ideas and explore early design options. No permissions or funding have been sought, and no final decisions have been made. At this stage, we are sharing an update on our design work to keep you informed and to gather ongoing feedback.

The Environment Agency wouldn’t grant the Flood Risk Approval Permit unless they are satisfied that the final design would not increase flood risk.

Together, we’re using your insights to refine the proposals so they not only achieve the environmental goals of the river restoration but also reflect 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.

Ground investigation works will take place in the park, and we’ll keep AFC Shortlands informed in advance of any activity to ensure there is no disruption to training or games. Ground investigations are needed before the completion of detailed designs to understand the subsurface (soil, rock, water), any potential contamination and its properties.

Flood risk:

Ensuring that the project does not increase flood risk is a key requirement of the design process, and this will remain a priority as the work progresses.

As the designs move from the outline stage into more detailed development, they will continue to be measured against the flood‑modelling work already completed.

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.

We look forward to sharing the updated design drawings with you soon.

Together with you, our partners, and our volunteers, we can create a more resilient, biodiverse, and accessible River Ravensbourne for future generations.

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.

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 mentioned above 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:

1. The Environment Agency (EA):
   Call their 24-hour hotline at 0800 80 70 60.
2. 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: