Forum topic: New reed bed in Groveland Park designed to reduce water pollution

A brand new reed bed is being constructed in Grovelands Park lake to help improve water quality.

The reed bed is being created as part of Thames21’s Salmons Brook Healthy River Challenge together with Enfield Council. The aim of the project is to improve water quality across the area through the delivery of practical environmental schemes. Currently Salmons Brook and the waterways which feed it suffer from pollution due to plumbing misconnections and run-off from roads which contain heavy metals and oils.

Last summer Thames21, in partnership with Enfield Council, created a Sustainable Drainage System (SuDS) in Grovelands Park. These SuDS are now fully established and working to stop pollution from entering the newly deculverted stream.

Once the reed bed is established it will improve water quality by naturally breaking down pollutants, stopping them from travelling downstream. The health of the lake will improve and this will attract more aquatic life to the area. In addition, the council is working with Thames Water to tackle illegal drainage connections.

Enfield Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Cllr Daniel Anderson said: “Enfield Council is absolutely committed to tackling pollution and improving the water quality in our water courses, rivers and lakes. This work forms part of our Enfield 2020 sustainability programme, which aims to make Enfield a better place to live, work and visit.

“This new reed bed will not only be tackling the pollutants found in Salmon’s Brook, but will also be a haven for wildlife and a beautiful place to visit.”

Thames21’s Chief Executive Debbie Leach said: “Community interest in helping the charity to clean up our waterways is fantastic.

“The new reed bed is a great example of the practical things we can do to bring life back to our rivers - but there is still a huge amount to be done!”

Source:  www.enfield.gov.uk

If you're interested in Thames 21's sustainable drainage projects in Winchmore Hill and vicinity, there will a guided walk this Sunday - booking required.