Case study:Rewilding the Rom: Difference between revisions

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{{Case study status
{{Case study status
|Approval status=Draft
|Approval status=Approved
}}
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{{Location
{{Location
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|Partner organisations=London Borough of Barking and Dagenham, Environment Agency, Essex and Suffolk Water (Northumbrian Water), Kusuma Trust, Land of the Fanns, Thames Chase, Mayor of London
|Partner organisations=London Borough of Barking and Dagenham, Environment Agency, Essex and Suffolk Water (Northumbrian Water), Kusuma Trust, Land of the Fanns, Thames Chase, Mayor of London
|Multi-site=No
|Multi-site=No
|Project summary=The River Rom is a tributary of the River Thames and forms the boundary between the east London Boroughs of Barking and Dagenham and Havering.
|Project picture=Rom Deflector - YMCA v2.jpeg
|Project summary=The River Rom, south of Roneo Corner, is heavily degraded. Straightening has resulted in the river losing much of the natural flow and habitat diversity that is needed to support rich biodiversity. It has also resulted in the loss of much of the river’s connectivity to its floodplain. This means the Rom lacks many of the associated wetland habitats that would slow the speed of destructive floodwaters and support the area's biodiversity.


Like many of London’s rivers, the Rom has suffered in recent years. Water quality has been impacted by sewage misconnections and overflows, whilst habitats for wildlife have been damaged by dredging and straightening of the river channel.
 


The downstream reach of the River Rom (also known as the River Beam) flows through the eastern section of The Chase Local Nature Reserve (LNR). The Chase LNR incorporates nearly 50 hectares of meadows, ponds, marshes and woodlands and has been designated as a Site of Metropolitan Importance for Nature Conservation.
The Rewilding the Rom project presented a rare opportunity to restore natural functioning to an urban river in London and in doing so, increase the rivers resilience to the compounding effects of climate change. Project aims are broadly fourfold; providing both offline and online flood storage, increasing resilience of downstream communities; diversifying the Chase Local Nature Reserves (LNR) habitat to support biodiversity; improving water quality of the Rom; and connecting communities to their river and environment. By providing these multiple benefits, this project demonstrates measures to address the biodiversity crisis are often closely intertwined with improving local communities' resilience to climate change.  


In 2021, funding from the Land of the Fanns Partnership Scheme allowed two seasonal wetlands (known as scrapes) to be dug on the Havering Side of the River Rom. These scrapes trap water on the floodplain during times of heavy rain and act as important habitats for wetland plants, birds, and other animals.
 


In 2022, thanks to funding from the Kusuma Trust, the Mayor of London’s Rewild London Fund, and Essex and Suffolk Water, Thames21 will be working in partnership with The London Borough of Barking and Dagenham to further reconnect the River Rom with its floodplain, this time on the opposite bank. To do this, we breached a large flood embankment in three places and dug out three interconnected wetlands. In high flows, the river floods into this newly connected area of floodplain, creating an area of seasonal wetlands, rich in wildlife including frogs, newts, dragonflies and water birds.
In 2021, Land of the Fanns Partnership Scheme funding facilitated the excavation of two seasonal wetlands (scrapes) on the Havering Side of the River Rom, in Grenfell Park to protect flood-prone properties downstream of the site. While the primary purpose of the scrapes is flood protection, they also provide habitats for flora and fauna. Flood modelling has been completed, showing that the scrapes, along with the other interventions, contribute to a reduction in flood risk to several downstream properties and the locally important Maylands Health Centre which currently serves 10% of Havering’s population. 
 
 
 
Subsequently, eleven large wood deflectors have been installed in the River Rom, and a tributary has been realigned with the goal of diversifying the flow within the channel. By restoring sedimentary processes, different habitats are created to support fish spawning, invertebrates and other riverine species. Visual inspections of the deflectors indicate that they are generating new erosional and depositional features. 
 
 
 
In 2022, Thames21 began work on the opposite bank at the Chase LNR. These works involved breaching a large flood embankment in three locations, behind which three interconnected wetland scrapes have been excavated. In high flows, the river now floods into this newly connected area of floodplain, creating an area of species-rich seasonal wetland. BEPERP, who are monitoring the Rom as part of their project, have found improvements in biological indicators already.
|Monitoring surveys and results=Project progress has been monitored in a number of ways:
 
    Through fixed point photography (FPP); 
 
    Aerial drone footage;
 
    MoRPh surveys; 
 
    Macroinvertebrate (RMI); 
 
    Wildlife surveys to assess the reinstatement of native species.
 
As most of the major restoration works were completed by Thames21 in the spring of 2023, BEPREP research at ‘time zero’ in a rewilded wetland started (report attached as supporting file). Sampling began in April 2023, with a second session in August of the same year; sampling will continue with two sessions in 2024.
 
In addition, Thames21 are measuring the impact of the project on the local community by the number of participants in volunteering and other nature-related activities (e.g. nature walks, discussions, nature/art workshops). The aim is to achieve meaningful points of direct contact with at least 600 people including those from underrepresented communities (ethnic minorities and low-income groups).
 
 
The effort to restore natural processes on the Rom is demonstrated by several indicators that are tracked and evaluated via surveys, anecdotal evidence, and media coverage. 
 
The Horizon funded BEPREP project, researches the effects of rewilding on improving health resilience. At the project site, biological indicators were measured both immediately after excavation and for five years post- restoration. The first few data points demonstrate that, especially the new wetland scrapes, have shown improved biological outcomes and shown which flora and fauna are settling at the site. 
 
 
 
Specific indicators include microbiota (bacteria and fungi) changes in the water (e.g. amphibians), on the land (e.g. soil, arthropods, vegetation, micromammals, canids) and in the air (e.g. bats, birds). This research will provide crucial information on which flora, fauna and microorganisms colonise and interact in newly excavated urban wetlands and is fundamental for the sustainable management of aquatic urban environments, and for understanding their importance to human health. The first few data points demonstrate that, especially the new wetland scrapes, have shown improved biological outcomes and shown which flora and fauna are settling at the site. 
 
 
 
We are using data from citizen science and observational monitoring, as well as advanced molecular analysis techniques (using environmental DNA) to measure the changes in macro and micro biodiversity of the restored wetlands and nearby forests (Report provided in the ‘Supporting Documentation’ section F1). Preliminary results already show arthropods, amphibians and reptiles colonising the new wetlands.  Particularly noteworthy discoveries include molecular identification of faecal pellets from water voles, a nationally rare species.   
 
 
 
Records from Fixed Point Photography (FPP) provide a visual record of the changes that are taking place; comparison photos from before and after the restoration work effectively show how the Rom and its floodplain have changed. These images provide a good view of the project impacts through increased river-land interface connectivity and the instigation of natural processes. 
 
 
 
To ensure that large wood structures are performing their intended purpose, periodic assessments took place. The maintenance assessment included the characterisation of the structures in terms of stability and an assessment of material integrity and deterioration. After the large wood installation period, in December 2021, we carried out monthly visits for the first 6 months, and then bimonthly visits for the remainder of the first years. After this, we assessed the large wood every six months. 
 
 
 
Anecdotal feedback from local communities and stakeholders further reinforces the success of our restoration project. Through our regular volunteering events we gathered valuable insights from the community, from appreciation of improvements to habitat quality to new recreational opportunities, such as the use of the new bridge for bird watching. In addition, the dissemination of information about our project through news articles, videos, and interviews emphasised the beneficial effects of our restoration efforts on the RBI catchment area.
|Project title=Rewilding the Rom
|Project title=Rewilding the Rom
}}
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{{Case study image
|File name=Before and after collage.png
|File name=Before and after collage.png
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{{Case study image
|File name=Online Wetlands Autumn 23300.JPG
}}
{{Case study image
|File name=Rom Deflector - YMCA.JPG
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{{Case study image
|File name=Wetlands Autumn 23.JPG
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{{Project background
{{Project background
|Reach length directly affected=300
|Reach length directly affected=400
|Project started=2019/01/01
|Project started=2018/11/01
|Works started=2022/09/01
|Works started=2020/01/01
|Works completed=2023/06/01
|Works completed=2022/11/01
|Project completed=2024/07/31
|Project completed=2024/07/31
|Total cost category=100 - 500 k€
|Total1 cost=370,000
|Funding sources=Essex & Suffolk Water, Greater London Authority, Kusuma Trust
|Funding sources=Essex & Suffolk Water, Greater London Authority, Kusuma Trust, Land of the Fanns
|Investigation and design cost category=1 - 10 k€
|Investigation and design cost category=100 - 500 k€
|Investigation and design Lead organisation=Thames21
|Investigation and design Lead organisation=Thames21
|Stakeholder1 engagement cost category=10 - 50 k€
|Stakeholder1 engagement cost category=10 - 50 k€
|Stakeholder engagement Lead organisation=Thames21
|Stakeholder engagement Lead organisation=Thames21
|Works1 and supervision cost category=10 - 50 k€
|Works1 and supervision cost category=50 - 100 k€
|Works and supervision Lead organisation=Thames21
|Works and supervision Lead organisation=Thames21
|Post-project1 management and maintenance cost category=10 - 50 k€
|Post-project1 management and maintenance cost category=10 - 50 k€
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{{Additional Documents end}}
{{Additional Documents end}}
{{Additional links and references header}}
{{Additional links and references header}}
{{Additional links and references
|Link=www.thames21.org.uk/improving-rivers/rewilding-the-rom/
|Description=Thames 21 project webpage
}}
{{Additional links and references
|Link=www.youtube.com/watch?v=9w8Gp69qIXs&t=56s
|Description=Spring 2023 drone footage
}}
{{Additional links and references
|Link=www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6ctnH-PQPo
|Description=Summer 2023 drone footage
}}
{{Additional links and references
|Link=www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0vbH559Qg8
|Description=Online wetland construction drone footage
}}
{{Additional links and references footer}}
{{Additional links and references footer}}
{{Supplementary Information}}
{{Supplementary Information}}
{{Toggle content end}}
{{Toggle content end}}

Latest revision as of 11:14, 26 February 2024

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Location: 51° 33' 28.30" N, 0° 11' 2.29" E
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Project overview

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Status In progress
Project web site http://www.thames21.org.uk/improving-rivers/rewilding-the-rom/
Themes Flood risk management, Habitat and biodiversity, Monitoring, Social benefits, Water quality, Urban
Country England
Main contact forename Carolina
Main contact surname Pinto
Main contact user ID User:TylerThames21
Contact organisation Thames 21
Contact organisation web site http://www.thames21.org.uk
Partner organisations London Borough of Barking and Dagenham, Environment Agency, Essex and Suffolk Water (Northumbrian Water), Kusuma Trust, Land of the Fanns, Thames Chase, Mayor of London
Parent multi-site project
This is a parent project
encompassing the following
projects 		No
Project picture

Project summary

Edit project overview to modify the project summary.


The River Rom, south of Roneo Corner, is heavily degraded. Straightening has resulted in the river losing much of the natural flow and habitat diversity that is needed to support rich biodiversity. It has also resulted in the loss of much of the river’s connectivity to its floodplain. This means the Rom lacks many of the associated wetland habitats that would slow the speed of destructive floodwaters and support the area's biodiversity.


The Rewilding the Rom project presented a rare opportunity to restore natural functioning to an urban river in London and in doing so, increase the rivers resilience to the compounding effects of climate change. Project aims are broadly fourfold; providing both offline and online flood storage, increasing resilience of downstream communities; diversifying the Chase Local Nature Reserves (LNR) habitat to support biodiversity; improving water quality of the Rom; and connecting communities to their river and environment. By providing these multiple benefits, this project demonstrates measures to address the biodiversity crisis are often closely intertwined with improving local communities' resilience to climate change.


In 2021, Land of the Fanns Partnership Scheme funding facilitated the excavation of two seasonal wetlands (scrapes) on the Havering Side of the River Rom, in Grenfell Park to protect flood-prone properties downstream of the site. While the primary purpose of the scrapes is flood protection, they also provide habitats for flora and fauna. Flood modelling has been completed, showing that the scrapes, along with the other interventions, contribute to a reduction in flood risk to several downstream properties and the locally important Maylands Health Centre which currently serves 10% of Havering’s population.


Subsequently, eleven large wood deflectors have been installed in the River Rom, and a tributary has been realigned with the goal of diversifying the flow within the channel. By restoring sedimentary processes, different habitats are created to support fish spawning, invertebrates and other riverine species. Visual inspections of the deflectors indicate that they are generating new erosional and depositional features.


In 2022, Thames21 began work on the opposite bank at the Chase LNR. These works involved breaching a large flood embankment in three locations, behind which three interconnected wetland scrapes have been excavated. In high flows, the river now floods into this newly connected area of floodplain, creating an area of species-rich seasonal wetland. BEPERP, who are monitoring the Rom as part of their project, have found improvements in biological indicators already.

Monitoring surveys and results

Edit project overview to modify the Monitoring survey and results.


Project progress has been monitored in a number of ways: 

   Through fixed point photography (FPP);  

   Aerial drone footage; 

   MoRPh surveys;  

   Macroinvertebrate (RMI);  

   Wildlife surveys to assess the reinstatement of native species.

As most of the major restoration works were completed by Thames21 in the spring of 2023, BEPREP research at ‘time zero’ in a rewilded wetland started (report attached as supporting file). Sampling began in April 2023, with a second session in August of the same year; sampling will continue with two sessions in 2024.

In addition, Thames21 are measuring the impact of the project on the local community by the number of participants in volunteering and other nature-related activities (e.g. nature walks, discussions, nature/art workshops). The aim is to achieve meaningful points of direct contact with at least 600 people including those from underrepresented communities (ethnic minorities and low-income groups).


The effort to restore natural processes on the Rom is demonstrated by several indicators that are tracked and evaluated via surveys, anecdotal evidence, and media coverage.

The Horizon funded BEPREP project, researches the effects of rewilding on improving health resilience. At the project site, biological indicators were measured both immediately after excavation and for five years post- restoration. The first few data points demonstrate that, especially the new wetland scrapes, have shown improved biological outcomes and shown which flora and fauna are settling at the site.


Specific indicators include microbiota (bacteria and fungi) changes in the water (e.g. amphibians), on the land (e.g. soil, arthropods, vegetation, micromammals, canids) and in the air (e.g. bats, birds). This research will provide crucial information on which flora, fauna and microorganisms colonise and interact in newly excavated urban wetlands and is fundamental for the sustainable management of aquatic urban environments, and for understanding their importance to human health. The first few data points demonstrate that, especially the new wetland scrapes, have shown improved biological outcomes and shown which flora and fauna are settling at the site.


We are using data from citizen science and observational monitoring, as well as advanced molecular analysis techniques (using environmental DNA) to measure the changes in macro and micro biodiversity of the restored wetlands and nearby forests (Report provided in the ‘Supporting Documentation’ section F1). Preliminary results already show arthropods, amphibians and reptiles colonising the new wetlands. Particularly noteworthy discoveries include molecular identification of faecal pellets from water voles, a nationally rare species.


Records from Fixed Point Photography (FPP) provide a visual record of the changes that are taking place; comparison photos from before and after the restoration work effectively show how the Rom and its floodplain have changed. These images provide a good view of the project impacts through increased river-land interface connectivity and the instigation of natural processes.


To ensure that large wood structures are performing their intended purpose, periodic assessments took place. The maintenance assessment included the characterisation of the structures in terms of stability and an assessment of material integrity and deterioration. After the large wood installation period, in December 2021, we carried out monthly visits for the first 6 months, and then bimonthly visits for the remainder of the first years. After this, we assessed the large wood every six months.


Anecdotal feedback from local communities and stakeholders further reinforces the success of our restoration project. Through our regular volunteering events we gathered valuable insights from the community, from appreciation of improvements to habitat quality to new recreational opportunities, such as the use of the new bridge for bird watching. In addition, the dissemination of information about our project through news articles, videos, and interviews emphasised the beneficial effects of our restoration efforts on the RBI catchment area.

Lessons learnt

This case study hasn’t got any lessons learnt, you can add some by editing the project overview.


Image gallery


River Rom Wetlands As-built 11.10 (13).jpeg
Before and after collage.png
Online Wetlands Autumn 23300.JPG
Rom Deflector - YMCA.JPG
Wetlands Autumn 23.JPG
ShowHideAdditionalImage.png


Catchment and subcatchment



Site

Name River Rom
WFD water body codes GB106037028120
WFD (national) typology
WFD water body name Rom (Bourne Brook to Ravensbourne) Water Body
Pre-project morphology
Reference morphology
Desired post project morphology
Heavily modified water body Yes
National/international site designation UK - Local Nature Reserve
Local/regional site designations Local Nature Reserve
Protected species present Yes
Invasive species present Yes
Species of interest Himalayan Balsam, Japanese Knotweed, water vole (Arvicola terrestris)
Dominant hydrology Quick run-off, Groundwater
Dominant substrate Clay, Silt
River corridor land use Urban, Irrigated land, Improved/semi-improved grassland/pasture
Average bankfull channel width category 2 - 5 m
Average bankfull channel width (m)
Average bankfull channel depth category 0.5 - 2 m
Average bankfull channel depth (m)
Mean discharge category
Mean annual discharge (m3/s)
Average channel gradient category
Average channel gradient
Average unit stream power (W/m2)


Project background

Reach length directly affected (m) 400400 m <br />0.4 km <br />40,000 cm <br />
Project started 2018/11/01
Works started 2020/01/01
Works completed 2022/11/01
Project completed 2024/07/31
Total cost category
Total cost (k€) 370,000370,000 k€ <br />370,000,000 € <br />
Benefit to cost ratio
Funding sources Essex & Suffolk Water, Greater London Authority, Kusuma Trust, Land of the Fanns

Cost for project phases

Phase cost category cost exact (k€) Lead organisation Contact forename Contact surname
Investigation and design 100 - 500 k€ Thames21
Stakeholder engagement and communication 10 - 50 k€ Thames21
Works and works supervision 50 - 100 k€ Thames21
Post-project management and maintenance 10 - 50 k€ Thames21
Monitoring 1 - 10 k€ Thames21



Reasons for river restoration

Mitigation of a pressure Flood risk management, Invasive species, Urbanisation, Riparian development, Pollution incident
Hydromorphology
Biology Urbanisation, Private Sewage Treatment, Misconnections, Transport Drainage, Contaminated land, Poor nutrient management, Poor soil management, Track/rural road
Physico-chemical Poor nutrient management, Misconnections, Private Sewage Treatment
Other reasons for the project Improving biodiversity in a local nature reserve, Community demand, Recreation


Measures

Structural measures
Bank/bed modifications
Floodplain / River corridor
Planform / Channel pattern
Other
Non-structural measures
Management interventions
Social measures (incl. engagement)
Other


Monitoring

Hydromorphological quality elements

Element When monitored Type of monitoring Control site used Result
Before measures After measures Qualitative Quantitative

Biological quality elements

Element When monitored Type of monitoring Control site used Result
Before measures After measures Qualitative Quantitative

Physico-chemical quality elements

Element When monitored Type of monitoring Control site used Result
Before measures After measures Qualitative Quantitative

Any other monitoring, e.g. social, economic

Element When monitored Type of monitoring Control site used Result
Before measures After measures Qualitative Quantitative


Monitoring documents



Additional documents and videos


Additional links and references

Link Description
http://www.thames21.org.uk/improving-rivers/rewilding-the-rom/ Thames 21 project webpage
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9w8Gp69qIXs&t=56s Spring 2023 drone footage
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6ctnH-PQPo Summer 2023 drone footage
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0vbH559Qg8 Online wetland construction drone footage

Supplementary Information

Edit Supplementary Information


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