Background: 

London's Arcadia is the largest open space of its kind in London covering the stretch of the Thames running from Teddington beneath Richmond Hill to Kew. Along the river with its associated flora and wildlife, it is home to the highest concentration of historic buildings, landscape gardens, famous avenues, vistas and sightlines in England. The wealth of heritage has potential to provide a range of cultural, physical, educational, conservation and recreation benefits for the enjoyment of all.

The London Arcadia project aims to open up the public spaces and river, connecting the major historical centres for the enjoyment of local residents, Londoners and tourists for many years to come. This requires regenerating and managing the pathways, landscaped gardens, avenues and meadowlands throughout the area, as well as supporting the managing of the river environment with its associated wildlife.

London's Arcadia project set out these environmental objectives:

• Implement sustainable management practices along the Tidal Thames Ham Reach to enhance biodiversity and protect UK BAP target species.
• Improve riverine environment for aquatic plants and animals which includes 3,500sqmof reedbeds established to provide an enhanced environment for native fish stock, eels and other species.
• Improve vegetation, including 325 native tree plants, 3,000m of native hedgerows planted, 3,500sqm of reedbeds established, 780 mistletoe introductions and the improved management of 31,000sqm of native broadleaf woodlands.

The project is well underway, with the above objectives steadily being met. The management plan to control litter in order to improve riverine environment has been a success. There has been a married difference in the flotsam jetsam. Also, sections of the new super bat highway (Ham Avenues) have been completed, with 66 mature trees newly planted. 1,150sqm of reedbeds have been established, as well as 5,700sqm of wildflower native meadow and the placement of 780 mistletoe seeds.
The second phases of planting will start in Autumn 2008. We look forward to further success.