New wetlands planned at Old Deer Park and Buccleugh Gardens
By Boroughly editorial — AI-assisted, human-reviewed.
Richmond Council is exploring plans to create new wetland areas at Old Deer Park and Buccleugh Gardens as part of a broader effort to manage rising water levels along the Thames.
The proposals, developed in partnership with Thames Landscape Strategy, aim to provide additional space for tidal and river water to spread out during flood events. Because tidal and freshwater meet in this stretch of the Thames, sudden rises in water levels can leave towpaths and nearby land waterlogged for extended periods.
The new wetlands are designed to temporarily hold floodwater while also supporting natural habitats and wildlife. The council says the projects will improve public access and drainage in the aftermath of flood events, making the spaces more usable for residents year-round.
Both Old Deer Park and Buccleugh Gardens sit within the Thames floodplain. The plans form part of the council's wider ambition to manage green spaces in the floodplain in a more joined-up way, working with the natural landscape rather than against it.
Further details on the projects and timelines are available on the council's parks pages. Richmond Council wetlands plans