Lakes in parks improvements
Investing in the future of our parks
We're investing £3 million over the next three years to improve the quality of water in our park lakes, ponds, and waterways. These much-loved spaces are home to wildlife, provide flood storage, and give residents a place to relax and enjoy nature.
We’re committed to protecting and restoring them so that our parks remain healthy, beautiful, and resilient for future generations.
Why we’re doing this
Over time, many of our lakes and ponds have become silted and shallow, reducing water quality and affecting local ecosystems.
By improving water flow, depth, and biodiversity, we can help keep them cleaner, clearer, and better for wildlife, while also reducing the risk of localised flooding.
This work forms part of Redbridge Council’s wider environmental improvement and climate resilience programme, which aims to make our green spaces more sustainable and enjoyable for everyone.
What we’re doing
We’re carrying out a series of projects across the borough’s parks and open spaces to:
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Dredge and desilt lakes to remove years of built-up sediment
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Restore natural depth and shape to improve water movement and habitat
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Repair and renew lake edges where necessary
- Introduce aeration or other techniques to boost oxygenation of the water
- In the future look to introduce features such as reed beds or aquatic planting to naturally filter water
Each project is designed to boost biodiversity, improve water quality, and make our parks more inviting.
The benefits
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Cleaner and healthier lakes
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Greater biodiversity and improved habitats for fish, birds, and insects
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Reduced flood risk from better drainage and water storage
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More attractive parks for people to visit and enjoy
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Long-term protection for our local environment
Current projects
Below is an overview of our current and planned lake improvement works across Redbridge.
This table will be updated regularly as projects progress.
| Location | What we're doing now | Current project status | What's next? |
| Valentines Park Long Water | Dredging and de-silting | In progress | Monitor water quality levels |
| Goodmayes Lake | Dredging and de-silting, repairing and renewing lake edges where necessary. | Planned - November 25 start |
Design aeration or installation of reed beds or planting. |
| South Park Lake |
Dredging and de-silting, repairing and renewing lake edges where necessary. Renewing the boom and repairing the weir. |
Planned - Early 2026 start | Design aeration or installation of reed beds or planting and continue to investigate water pollution with Thames Water and the Environment Agency |
Our commitment
These improvements are part of Redbridge Council’s ongoing investment in parks, rivers, and open spaces.
We’re working with our contractors Kensons Highways and specialist environmental partners to ensure that works are carried out safely, sensitively, and efficiently.
We’ll keep local communities informed throughout each project, and we thank residents for their patience while these vital improvements are delivered.
