Case study - River Restoration - The River Quaggy Flashcards
Describe the location of the River Quaggy?
The River Quaggy runs through southeast London.
Describe the initial management of the river?
Since the 1960’s it has been heavily managed and artificial channels and culverts were built to divert it beneath the ground surface as it passed through Greenwich.
What type of solution did the Quaggy Waterways Action Group campaign for?
They campaigned for a sustainable approach which would improve the local environment. By championing the river’s natural role, QWAG aimed to reduce the flood risk, improve the urban realm, restore wildlife and create opportunities for recreation and learning.
By 1990, why did much of the river flow in concrete channels and culverts?
The process of channelisation was implemented to allow the river to hold more water and therefore lower the flood risk. However, the river still posed a flood risk.
Give three disadvantages of the river being hidden underground in a concrete culvert (tunnel)?
- A valuable floodplain was lost
- Vital natural habitats were lost
- In QWAG’s view, encased in concrete the river was either dangerous or inaccessible.
When was the natural river returned to a park in Greenwich?
In 2004
How were local communities involved in the project to return the natural river to a park in Greenwich?
Local communities were closely involved in the project, they helped to develop a more holistic and sustainable approach to environmental management that tapped into the knowledge of the local people.
Where was the river brought back above ground?
A new channel was cut through Greenwich Park for the river.
Why did bringing the river back above ground in Sutcliffe Park reduce the risk of flooding in the surrounding area?
Although a culvert remained to take some water underground during flood conditions, a new lake was created to take over when this became full. The park was lowered and shaped to create a floodplain where water could naturally collect instead of rushing downstream through artificial channels to flood Lewisham town centre.
Describe the flood capacity of Sutcliffe Park?
The park has a flood capacity of 85,000 meters cubed of water, which is equivalent to 35 Olympic swimming pools.
How has bringing the river back above ground impacted the residents of Greenwich and Lewisham?
The risk of flooding has reduced for 600 homes and businesses in Greenwich and Lewisham.
Which award did the restoration scheme win?
The scheme won the Natural Environment Category in the 2007 Waterways Renaissance Awards and the Living Wetlands Award.
Why was a soft management approach so beneficial?
- It was cheaper and alienated the problem of flooding.
