Introduction
During 2023/24, we’re making significant improvements to the River Wandle Trail and Ravensbury Park Bridges.
These projects aim to enhance the safety, accessibility, and beauty of these well-loved and used spaces.
Wandle trail phase 2 works (ongoing)
We're currently in the process of phase 2 of the River Wandle Trail works, (Plough Lane to Weir Road, bordering Wandsworth).
Just like in Phase 1 (see below), our focus remains on creating a safer and more enjoyable environment for all trail users. This includes footpath safety, improving artificial lighting spread and visible sight lines, tree safety, habitat creation and enhancements, and tree planting.
There will be 40 trees of different variation planted, and over 30 bird and bat boxes created and provided by a community charity who build boxes out of broken furniture. This way, they cost less than commercial bird boxes and last longer too.
The trail is still open accessible to the public, but cyclists should exercise caution while riding through the area due to ongoing work.
Wandle trail phase 1 works (Spring 2023)
In Spring 2023, Phase 1 works of the Wandle trail, (Chaucer Way to Plough Lane) were carried out to make the Wandle trail safer, along with planting trees and creating more wildlife habitat.
The necessary works reduced the risk from overgrown trees and overhanging branches, ensuring safety for night-time joggers and cyclists who have a clear line of sight between lamp posts.
We re-purposed the dead and cut wood to make habitats for wildlife such as small mammals, bats, birds, frogs butterflies and moths.
A natural consequence of pollarding trees (the process in which tree branches are pruned very short to encourage new growth), means more sunlight encourages wildflowers to grow.
We also planted 22 trees of different species including Rowan, Cedar and Alder. Two large Scots Pines were also planted on the trail near Plough Lane. They have joined established species such as Willows, Poplars, Oak, Ash, and Birch.
We’ve placed owl and bird boxes along the trail repurposed from old furniture by a community charity, and drilled holes in the end of logs for solitary bees who will lay eggs and stuff leaves in behind them.
The Wandle Trail safety and tree works will benefit our wildlife, ensures the health of our trees, and preserves the trail for the future.
Ravensbury Bridge upgrades
We have also been refurbishing several bridges within Ravensbury Park and along the Wandle Trail to ensure they remain safe for everyone.
Rawnsley Avenue bridge and Octavia bridge have been closed for maintenance work, and two handrails on nearby bridges are also being restored.
To maintain access for residents and the public, there is currently a temporary bridge to Octavia Close. This arrangement keeps the Wandle Trail accessible while we improve the main bridge structure.
These works are now finalising and will be completed shortly.