Yesterday, with the help of a fantastic team of volunteers, a new wetland habitat was born. In partnership with WWF-UK and with the support of the Coca-Cola Foundation, Thames 21—a member of The Rivers Trust movement—are supporting Enfield Council who are leading on the development of a brand new wetland. This project, located on land owned and managed by Enfield Council, has benefitted from the fantastic support of the Friends of Broomfield Park and the Pymmes BrookERS. Broomfield Park Wetland will contribute to The Coca‐Cola Company’s ‘replenish’ promise to safely return the equivalent amount of water used in all their drinks to communities and nature. In order to achieve this goal, they support around 250 conservation projects in 2000 communities around the world that improve the quantity, quality and availability of fresh water. As the sun shone down on Broomfield Park, the site began to buzz with activity. Alongside members of the local community, volunteers from each organisation pitched in to kick-start the project on the 21st of May. Volunteers in wellies meticulously secured coir mats pre-planted with wetland species to the fringes of the water. Those in waders ventured into the depths, floating the mats over to the island at the heart of the pool. The volunteers made short work of the planting, and within no time, the wetland began to come to life. Thankfully, the fantastic team from Taking the Pixels managed to get us some fantastic footage of the day - but this teaser will have to do for now! Drone Image of Broomfield Park Wetland

Why is this Wetland so Important?

The project at Broomfield Park has the potential to deliver a huge range of benefits to the environment and the local community. Water: This scheme will have an excellent impact on water management. It is is expected to improve water quality in the Pymmes Brook catchment through natural, restorative treatment. In addition, the flood risk for properties of downstream is expected to fall, and other areas of the park will be protected from waterlogging. Wildlife: Wildlife is also due to benefit; wetland habitats are known to teem with life, so the development of this site could boost biodiversity. Species never before seen in the area could become residents, and the the wetland could act as a sanctuary for wetland animals displaced by disruption in other areas. Community: The wetland will generate opportunities for community participation and provides a whole new host of amenity features. Having such a diverse habitat easily accessible to local residents will boost engagement with nature, which has fantastic benefits for physical and mental wellbeing.

Wetland Loading...

In August, we will return to the wetland to see how it's getting on. By this point, the plants will have had time to establish and spread, and if we're lucky, we might even see some new wild residents! We can't wait to go back and see the progress the team (and the wetland!) have made.