Watching the Sulham Brook Find Its Rhythm Again

Towards the end of last year, we shared an update on the works taking place at Sulham Brook in partnership with Thames Water – returning to the site last month, the transformation is already exceeding expectations. Despite a wet start to 2026, the channel is responding exactly as designed.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐉𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲:
𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 (𝐛𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞): A sluggish, silty channel disconnected from its banks. Vertical, unstable edges offered very little in terms of habitat diversity. Water levels were around 0.165 mASD.

𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 (𝐝𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠): Construction of a new low-flow channel designed to maintain velocity and prevent sedimentation, paired with bank regrading to manage flood capacity. Water levels were approximately 0.06 mASD.

𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 (𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫): Just five months on, the “disconnect” is gone. Even with water levels at 0.17 mASD, the channel is beginning to function naturally, connecting with the bank face as intended.

Although it’s not obvious in the image, the bed condition has improved significantly, with gravels still clearly visible within the low-flow channel and marginal plants starting to establish. Now, we just need a little spring sunshine to let the riparian zone truly flourish. ☀️

It’s always rewarding to revisit sites a few months after completion and see these early signs that restoration work is starting to deliver the intended improvements.