At the eastern edge of London, Rainham, Wennington and Aveley Marshes are a vital wetland resource for the city. Design for London has worked with partners to develop a vision for the marshes as the London Riverside Conservation Park, a project that will merge leisure with nature conservation.

The marshes cover some 630 hectares and as the largest expanse of wetland on the upper Thames Estuary, support a wide range of rare species. In winter, the grasslands flood to provide feeding habitats for spectacular flocks of migratory birds, ducks, geese and waders.

The London Riverside Conservation Park project, led by London Thames Gateway Development Corporation (LTGDC), will connect and open up this unique landscape, restore the adjacent landfill site, deliver a range of leisure activities, and enhance the quality of neighbouring areas. The Park forms part of the East London Green Grid.

Design for London worked with partners and consultants Landroom and AEA Consulting to develop the vision for the Park. We continue to be involved as design and Green Grid champions, assisting with consultant selection, briefing, and conducting regular design reviews.

£5 million in public sector funding has been allocated to the first phase of the project, which will be completed over the next two years. This includes the development of a visitor strategy, a local nature reserve at Rainham, and improved pedestrian and cycle pathways. Project development work is continuing for future phases, which will include further visitor and play facilities, and the development of a tram for transport within the Park.

Partners: London Thames Gateway Development Corporation, Greater London Authority, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, the London Borough of Havering, Thurrock Council, Cleanaway Ltd