Works underway to make lakes in Redbridge parks vibrant, cleaner and healthier
Published: 19 November 2025
Three popular lakes in the borough are being given a major boost through a programme of improvement works led by Redbridge Council.
The works are part of a £3m investment package - over the next three years - to improve the quality of water in park lakes and waterways in Redbridge, as well as support wildlife preservation and boost local biodiversity around park lakes.
Redbridge’s park lakes and ponds are home to wildlife and give local people a place to relax and enjoy nature.
Over time lakes and ponds can become shallow due to the build-up of silt and debris, reducing water quality and affecting local ecosystem, which is why the council is undertaking the essential works needed to restore and protect the borough’s lakes.
It will also mean a much safer and improved environment for ducks, geese and other wildlife who rely on the water in the lakes.
Long Water Lake in Valentines Park was the first to benefit from the funding pledge after the Council recently completed improvement works there involving dredging and de-silting the lake to make it cleaner, improve water flow and quality, and bring depth back to it.
Around 375 tonnes of silt and debris was removed from the lake - the equivalent of 30 double decker buses!
Similar works have also started at Goodmayes Park Lake, which will be followed up with works at South Park Lake – due to start before the end of January 2026. As well as the desilting and dredging at South Park Lake, additional work there will also be carried out to repair the weir and maintain the barrier, which helps keep pollutants out of the lake.
Leader of Redbridge Council, Councillor Kam Rai, said: “We need to protect wildlife and our green spaces. This work is essential to improve water quality and restore habitats, ensuring our parks remain vibrant and sustainable for future generations. Please bear with us whilst we conduct these works to improve our parks for the people who love them, and the wildlife that lives there.”
Over the next three years the Council’s Highway’s Team will lead on a series of projects focused on clearing, cleaning, and installing measures to boost oxygenation in the borough’s park lakes, ponds, and waterways to increase water quality, enhance the area, and help restore nature to Redbridge.
This work forms part of Redbridge Council’s wider environmental improvement and climate resilience programme, which aims to make the borough’s green spaces more sustainable and enjoyable for local people now, and future generations.
For more information on the Council’s Lakes in Parks improvement programme and to stay up to date on linked projects please go to: https://www.redbridge.gov.uk/roads-and-pavements/lakes-in-parks-improvements/
