Roding Weir Removal Project

The River Roding, London’s third longest river, begins near Stansted Airport and flows for 50 kilometres through Essex before joining the tidal Thames at Barking Creek. This section of the river forms the natural border between Newham and Barking. In areas where the river is left undisturbed, it is a haven for biodiversity, supporting wildlife such as kingfishers, dragonflies, damselflies, and otters.

Challenges Facing the River

Over recent decades, the River Roding has experienced significant ecological degradation. The natural floodplain of the river has been disrupted by dredging and the construction of flood embankments, leading to the loss of wetland habitats that once thrived with a rich variety of plant and animal species. The removal of fallen trees, which provided essential shelter for fish and aquatic insects, has further diminished the river’s ecological health. Additionally, pollution from agriculture, roads, and wastewater has severely impacted water quality. Historical weirs  built across the river have created barriers to fish migration and have altered the river’s natural flow, causing water levels and sediments to become unnaturally backed up.

Our Restoration Efforts

To address these challenges, Thames 21, with funding from London City Airport, is undertaking a project to restore the ecological health of a section of the River Roding. A key component of this effort is the removal of the notched weir at Roding Valley Park. This will reopen approximately 10 kilometres of upstream habitat, allowing migratory fish such as the critically endangered European eel to return. In addition, the project aims to reinstate natural water flows and sediment movements within the river, improving habitats for species like the bottom-dwelling bullhead fish, dragonflies, and damselflies. Furthermore, the project will directly enhance 100 meters of river habitat with workers from the London City Airport by installing large wood deflectors and brash berms within the channel, helping the river to follow a more natural and healthy course.