We are creating a wet woodland and new reedbed in the south east corner of the Park. Our aim is to reduce flooding and provide a better habitat for birds, plants and wetland wildlife.

The project is part of our charity’s ongoing work to improve the Park and Palace and become a sustainable home for all that we do. It is made possible thanks to £50,000 of funding from the Mayor of London.

Less than 20 years ago the woodland in this area of the Park was quite sparse and there were very few trees along the reservoir boundary. However, the woods are now dense and cast deep shade, and the water is stagnant. We plan to create a healthy, wet woodland in this area by:

• Removing selected trees to let in the light and allow the creation of a new curvy water channel. Trees will be selected for removal if they are diseased or have a likelihood of becoming dangerous in the near future
• Digging out new pools to hold water, creating new aquatic habitat and reducing flows into the sewer system during peak flows

In the upper woodland we will reduce winter flooding by:

• Digging out and guiding the channels in the woods to divert the water away from paths
• Repairing the pipe under the path to the pond area

Ground and environmental surveys have been carried out, and work onsite is now taking place, with completion by March 2025.

More funding will be required for a second phase of this project to restore the existing conservation pond and extend it to create a reedbed. Reedbeds are scarce in London and ours will form a valuable new habitat for the Park.

Discover more about the Park and Sustainability here at the Palace.