Fines issued to Thames Water over a string of pollution scandals are set to pay for a raft of eco-repair projects in London and the South East.
More than £3.3 million of penalties handed to the capital’s water company between April 2022 and October 2023 are now funding river schemes across the city.
They include the conversion of green spaces into a continuous river park along the River Wandle in South London.
The project will see a new chalk stream habitat and wet woodland that will help fish migration.
It comes after an estimated 4,000 litres of oil spilled into river, which is home to wildlife such as brown trout and kingfishers, earlier this year.
Meanwhile, in the Cotswolds farmland is being reshaped with wildlife-rich habitats and clever flood-busting landscapes designed to soak up future deluges while giving birds and bugs safer habitats.
In total, 14 projects have received cash from Thames Water fines.
Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds said: “I share people’s anger at the damage caused by sewage pollution in the Thames area and want the local community to once again feel they can take pride in their environment.
“This money from water company fines will be directed back into projects to tackle pollution and support long-term plans for nature restoration.
“Under our Plan for Change we’re resetting the water industry – holding water companies to account and reinvesting in areas harmed by their rule breaking.”
The £3.3 million fine from Thames Water forms part of a larger fund.
In total, more than £10 million in pollution penalties from Thames Water, South West Water, Anglian Water, United Utilities and Yorkshire Water was given to 51 projects across England to tackle water contamination, manage flood risk and enhance biodiversity, the Government said.
Project |
Amount |
Coate Water Site of Special Scientific Interest Restoration Project |
£83,306 |
Restoring the River Ching |
£175,729 |
Citizen Crane, Catchment Scale Restoration of an Urban River |
£133,755 |
The Wandering Wandle |
£161,217 |
Emm Brook Restoration Project |
£743,146 |
Ilford Arrival, Restoring the Lower Roding |
£113,415 |
Improving the Evenlode Catchment |
£780,780 |
Rye to Good Phase 3 |
£100,236 |
The Keston Ponds Project |
£248,853 |
Colne Catchment |
£143,737 |
Rediscovering the River Colne |
£198,807 |
Ealing Regional Park River Restoration Plan |
£250,000 |
River Windrush and Sherborne Brook Catchment Improvement Project |
£102,822 |
Roundmoor and Boveney Chalk Stream Restoration Project |
£82,588 |
