Under the Mayor’s Big Green Fund, a series of conservation projects have enriched the important natural and historic features of the River Wandle, which winds through the urban landscape of four south London boroughs: Wandsworth, Croydon, Sutton and Merton.

In Victorian times, at the peak of its industrial use, the River Wandle was said to have been one of the hardest working rivers in Europe. Following years of pollution and neglect the Wandle is now one of London’s jewels, providing a valuable breathing space for Londoners, with easy access to nature in the heart of south London.

As part of the project, Watermeads, a National Trust nature reserve along the River Wandle, is now open to the public, having been hidden behind locked gates for 100 years. National Trust founder Octavia Hill and her sister Miranda personally started the appeal to save Watermeads. The 11-acre site has now had new paths, bridges and a sluice, which will improve the wetlands habitat and public access.

Nearby, Spencer Road Wetlands, a nature reserve owned by the London Borough of Sutton and managed by London Wildlife Trust and local volunteers, now benefits from a new boardwalk that will provide safe access for school groups and visitors. Once used for growing watercress, the nature reserve is now home to a rich array of wildlife species, including reed warbler, kestrel and kingfisher.

The Wandle Trail has also seen considerable improvements including the creation of a shared-use path for walkers and cyclists, providing easier access and enjoyment of the Wandle and the wildlife that thrives along the river.

Other works have improved pathways and habitats for people and wildlife – particularly in Poulter Park at the heart of the Wandle Valley Regional Park, where some of the changes to the riverside landscape have been dramatic. These works have been supported by the London Borough of Sutton, who manage the park and have also acted as lead organisation for the whole project.

Nic Durston, Assistant Director of Operations, for the National Trust and Chair of the Wandle Valley Regional Park said: “The partnership with the Wandle Valley Regional Park Trust has brought these important nature reserves to light and helped to manage their future for wildlife and public access.

“The revitalisation of a river is a powerful metaphor for caring for our natural environment and the people who live here. It shows how we can work beyond our individual boundaries to affect a transformation.

“Watermeads is a remarkably untouched habitat, thanks to the legacy of Octavia Hill, her sister Miranda and the donors who gifted Watermeads to the National Trust so many years ago. We are grateful to the trusts and individuals who continue to support its conservation today.”

Sue Morgan, Chief Executive of the Wandle Valley Regional Park Trust said: “This has been an ambitious project which has brought together a number of stakeholders and partners, working collectively, to help create a regional park in the Wandle Valley. The project has achieved restoration, new development and better accessibility to the River Wandle, giving benefit to the local community and an opportunity to get closer to nature and improve the environment for future generations.”

Matthew Pencharz, Mayoral Advisor for Environment and Energy said: “It’s fantastic that the Mayor’s Big Green Fund is helping the revitalisation of the River Wandle, a significant part of London’s industrial history.

“I was there to break ground on this project, and it is tremendously satisfying to see it completed. The River is cleaner than ever, and through the new green links, plantings and volunteer projects, more Londoners and visitors will be able to enjoy this renewed space.

Carshalton Central ward Cllr Jill Whitehead, Chair of the Environment and Neighbourhoods Committee, London Borough of Sutton, said: “This historic moment is hugely important for the borough. Thanks to the hard work of volunteers, our residents will be able to enjoy a beautiful open space for the first time. They will also be able to learn more about nature and the River Wandle.

“Reversing the damage caused by years of pollution means part of our environment has been protected. I want to thank everyone involved in the project for a magnificent achievement.”

Elaine Sullivan, Chair of London Wildlife Trust said: “The River Wandle was once one of London’s most polluted rivers, but with the help of dedicated volunteers and the collective input of many different agencies, wildlife now flourishes along many parts of the Wandle, on its riverbanks and on nature reserves such as Spencer Road Wetlands.

“Where nature thrives, people do too, and we would urge people to visit and enjoy the natural delights of the Wandle Valley Regional Park.”

German Dector-Vega, Sustrans London Director said: “Sustrans are delighted to have played a part in this exciting project and bringing the important new link to the Wandle Trail to life. It forms part of National Cycle Network, Route 20 and is a wonderful place to enjoy a bike ride or stroll.

“The new path through Poulter Park is a huge improvement to the route as it is now all off-road with lovely views next to the river. With the long summer days ahead, now is the perfect time to get out with friends and family and explore the Wandle Trail.”

Graham Parry, Groundwork London’s Director of Youth, Employment & Skills said: “Since we launched the Wandle Green Team with The Wandle Valley Regional Park in October, two of our Wandle apprentices have successfully completed their 26-week horticulture and grounds maintenance training programme and are now employed by Merton Council and Quadron Services Ltd in Croydon.

“We’re incredibly proud of the whole team who have been working hard rebuilding the boardwalk at Spencer Road wetlands, rebuilding steps and opening up pathways at Bennetts Hole Nature reserve and have planted 4000 trees and hedges at The Hub and Poulter Park”.