Russia Dock Woodland Sustainable Drainage Scheme
We are committed to taking action to address the climate and biodiversity emergency thorough our current climate change strategy and action plan.
In support of one of our main priorities to create thriving natural environments, we are proposing to enhance the wetland habitats of Russia Dock Woodland.
We would like your views to help us shape proposed designs for a SuDS ("Sustainable Drainage System") scheme and achieve the best outcomes for the visitors and biodiversity of the woodland.
Phases
Russia Dock Woodland Sustainable Drainage Scheme - Phase 1
We have secured funding to capture and divert rainwater into Waterman’s Walk, a channel in Russia Dock Woodland that is currently dry most of the year.
The lack of water into the channel means the wetland habitat is deteriorating, reducing its ability to provide us with clean air and water, buffer against the impacts of climate change, and connect us with nature.
To address this loss, we are proposing a "Sustainable Drainage System" to enhance the wetland environment, provide a home for aquatic animals, such as frogs and dragonflies, and help reduce the risk of local flooding.
The works will comprise the installation of pipework and connections from existing underground rainwater storage tanks in Quebec Way to Waterman's Walk in early 2025. We are also exploring the future improvement of a public access route into Russia Dock Woodland from Quebec Way.
This project will improve the biodiversity of the area and increase access to nature for residents, which is essential to health and wellbeing. However, during the weeks when construction is underway, certain pathways in Russia Dock Woodland, including the entrance from Quebec Way, will have restricted access, and some trees and vegetation will need to be removed.
Your views will help us decide on the best construction methods for the Sustainable Drainage scheme to achieve the best outcomes for the users and biodiversity of Russia Dock Woodland.
We’re especially keen to hear from local people who live, work or visit the Surrey Docks and Rotherhithe areas, or who otherwise use and enjoy the woodland.
Tell us what you think to get the design right!
In giving your views please have a read of the supporting documents:
- Concept design - provides drawings of different pipe route options, construction methods, and analysis of the water flow through them.
- Technical drawings - detailed schematics of the different options from the concept design
- Tree survey - the results of an 'Arboricultural Impact Assessment' assessing the the impact of the different options on the trees in the area
Our ecology team at Southwark Council look forward to hearing from you by the closing date of 1 November 2024