The north western wetlands

The ‘North-Western Wetlands’ was an idea proposed by Cool Oak in 2022 as a way of restoring part of the north marsh away from the site of the controversial Silk Stream bridge project that will destroy over two hectares of the protected SSSI.

It would make use of the silted-up skeleton of canals, channels and pools on the western side created during the last re-profiling in the 1980s. Reed beds would be re-established and large amounts of colonised willow removed or coppiced. Dredged silt and soil would be re-profiled at the foot of the adjoining high embankment. Breeding birds protected under the SSSI citation could return, and a new green space rich in biodiversity would be created. Over one hectare of the wetlands would be revived.

In 2024, Canal and River Trust took on the idea, drew up more detailed plans, and third-party funding was raised and matched with S106 money from the Barratt waterside development. The works will begin in the winter of 2025/2026 with a budget of approx £300,000. In addition to the re-profiling, nearby footpaths will also be upgraded and a new bird hide created.

The project proves the will and money is there for restoration of the north marsh and shines a light on the brutality of the as-yet-unbuilt Silk Stream bridge scheme that - in spite of Natural England’s involvement - will destroy the north eastern side.

We remain in dialogue with Barnet Council and Barratt about the future of the bridge.