Watling Park
Project Overview
This project forms part of the wider Action for Silk Stream programme and delivers major flood alleviation, ecological enhancement and public realm improvements at Watling Park. The works focus on the realignment and widening of the Burnt Oak Brook, creation of new flood storage basins, and daylighting of concealed water systems to increase flood capacity and restore natural hydrological processes.
PVR, working in partnership with Ground Control, delivered the full earthworks, SuDS, landscaping and public realm upgrade package. The scheme transforms the northern section of the park into a more climate-resilient landscape, enhances biodiversity, and improves the visibility and amenity value of the watercourse for park users.
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Ground Control Ltd for London Borough of Barnet
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Subcontractor – River Realignment, Earthworks, SuDS, Hard & Soft Landscaping
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Natural Flood Management / Parks / Public Realm
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£1.5m
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July 2024 – July 2025 (52 weeks)
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Park-wide NFM, landscape and access improvements
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Watling Park, off Abbots Road, Harrow, HA8 0RE
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Urban public park within Burnt Oak Brook catchment
Scope of Works
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Natural Flood Management & River Realignment
- Widening and realigning the Burnt Oak Brook to increase flood storage capacity
- Opening up the channel to daylight formerly concealed water systems
- Construction of attenuation basins and associated earthworks
- Installation of reinforced riverbanks and vegetated retaining walls
- Diversion of the existing surface water sewer into new wetland features
- Use of site-won fill material to form mounds and naturalised landforms
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Public Realm & Access Improvements
- Enhancements to the Orange Hill entrance
- New pedestrian pathways and widening/resurfacing of existing routes
- Installation of new park furniture including benches and litter bins
- Play area improvements including new play and gym equipment
- Rubber safety surfacing to comply with BS EN playground standards
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Habitat Creation & Biodiversity Net Gain
- Native tree planting and establishment
- Wildflower meadow creation and species-rich grasslands
- New wetland zones supporting amphibians, invertebrates and riparian species
- Enhanced ecological connectivity throughout the park
Highlights & Key Benefits
Major flood risk reduction for the Burnt Oak Brook catchment
Daylighting of watercourses enhances visibility, education and engagement
Significant biodiversity uplift through new wetlands, meadows and tree planting
Improved public access, entrances and play facilities
Use of site-won materials supporting carbon reduction and sustainability
Long-term climate adaptation integrated into an accessible public park
Project Delivery Challenges & Solutions
Weather and Ground Conditions: Seasonal flood risk and heavy rainfall required adaptive programming, real-time monitoring and phased earthworks to maintain progress and protect newly formed basins.
Environment Agency Approvals: Close coordination with the Environment Agency ensured timely sign-off of river realignment, flood storage basins and sewer diversion works. Early design reviews prevented delays.
Anti-Social Behaviour & Vandalism: Enhanced security measures, including fencing, monitored access points, robust plant storage and daily welfare inspections, were deployed to mitigate risks.
Maintaining Public Safety & Access: The park remained partially open throughout delivery. Phased path closures, alternative routes and clear signage ensured safe community use despite significant engineering works.
Community Engagement
Regular updates issued to local residents and park users
Public information boards explaining NFM, SuDS and ecological benefits
Collaboration with Barnet Council’s parks team and community groups
Engagement sessions focused on ecology, flood mitigation and long-term park improvements
