New year start for Spider Park river restoration project

The project, one of the council's climate change initiatives, is designed to create a more diverse landscape in the park and help mitigate the impact of future extreme weather events through the creation of two meanders with a shallower riverbank along Yeading Brook.

The brook is prone to flooding after heavy rains, so these measures will help to slow down the river flow and create areas for floodwater to pool, containing it on site. 

Residents will also be able to join community planting days in the spring to help add 8,000 water-loving plants, including species such as purple loosestrife and yellow flag, which will create a wetland haven alongside wildflower meadows which will encourage more and new wildlife species to the site, increasing local biodiversity.  

The project is being delivered in partnership with the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) and the Crane Valley Partnership.

Spider Park is the local name for the area comprising Sidmouth Drive Recreation Ground, West End Recreation Ground, Dartmouth Road Open Space, and Bridgwater Open Space.

Cllr Eddie Lavery, Hillingdon Council's Cabinet Member for Community and Environment, said: "We're working hard to create a greener future, and have a strong track record of delivering similar schemes which have created species-rich ecosystems allowing wildlife to thrive and spaces which residents can enjoy.

"Rural parks are a valuable green space for people but closely-mown grass with few flowers can be less inviting for wildlife.

"Changing the river profile and adding wildlife-attracting plants will create a focal point for nature that will buzz with wildlife in summer, be enjoyed by park visitors and have the added benefit of helping to reduce local flood risk."

The project is funded by HS2 and Thames Water, and the initial construction works are expected to last around four weeks.

Cathy Elliott, Independent Chair of the HS2 funds, said: "I am pleased that we have been able to make a material contribution to Hillingdon Council's Spider Park river restoration project.  

"It will both improve hydromorphology and flood resilience in Bridgwater Open Space, and enhance biodiversity through allowing a greater variety of flora and fauna to become established and flourish.  

"This is an example of how this funding programme can support a valuable community asset." 

Find out more about flood and water management projects in Hillingdon: www.hillingdon.gov.uk/wetland-projects