Environmental charity Thames21 – catchment partnership host for the London Lea – is working alongside its partners to deliver a comprehensive five-year plan to restore the River Lea, its tributaries and surrounding ecosystems in north-east London.

This collaborative effort brings together river stakeholders, including local authorities, environmental leaders, policymakers and communities to provide solutions to the urgent issues, such as urban pollution, road run-off and misconnections (wrongly-connected household drains), facing the River Lea.

The ‘London Lea Catchment Plan’ provides a framework that identifies, prioritises and addresses major issues affecting the rivers and habitats within the catchment, which encompasses the lower reaches of the Lea through its confluence with the River Thames, and extends to key tributaries: Salmons Brook, Pymmes Brook, Moselle Brook, Turkey Brook, River Ching and Dagenham Brook.

The plan outlines five strategic priorities: improving water quality, boosting climate resilience, enhancing biodiversity, raising awareness of water challenges, and improving the shape and flow of rivers.

Several sites throughout the catchment have been identified as potential locations for projects. These initiatives will include river restoration, wetland creation, natural flood management solutions, community engagement activities, invasive species management, and the implementation of sustainable drainage systems (a type of drainage designed to manage surface water runoff).

Becca Turnpenney, Thames21 Catchment Partnership Development Officer, said: “It is truly inspiring to see so many partners come together in the development of this new Catchment Plan. With its targeted actions, this plan will directly tackle the pressing water management challenges we face in the London Lea, helping to protect and improve our rivers for both people and nature.

“Working in partnership with communities helps to foster the sense of community ownership and stewardship necessary to make river improvements sustainable longer term. I am also looking forward to working alongside our partners to bring our shared vision for the catchment to life and to see the meaningful changes this plan will drive over the next five years.”

Lewis Elmes, Catchment Coordinator at the Environment Agency, added: “The London Lea is a truly historic river flowing through the heart of London. The river needs our support more than ever, and this Catchment Plan is an excellent step towards improving the condition of this waterway for people and the environment.”