Flood management projects
Peckham Rye Park and Common
While Peckham Rye Park and Common already provide some natural flood storage, flood risk remains high to many properties along the route of the River Peck, one of London’s “lost rivers”. We plan to use the Park and Common’s floodwater storage capability to better protect properties from flooding and to improve flood resilience in the area.
The challenge
Peckham Rye has a high risk of surface water and sewer flooding. Between 2 and 37 sewer flooding incidents have been reported per postcode in the local area. Failure of nearby reservoirs (such as the Nunhead and Beechcroft Reservoirs) could cause flooding to Peckham Rye Park and Common and nearby properties.
The solution
It is proposed to construct two earthworks bunds in Peckham Rye Park and Common. A bund is an embankment that is used to control the volume and flow of water; the proposed bunds in Peckham Rye Park and Common will store and drain flood water during storm events in a safe manner. Underground drainage and flow control devices will lower the rate of floodwater before it joins the existing sewer networks, ensuring sewer capacity is improved due to the scheme.
The proposed landscaping and underground drainage work will happen together; this will provide wider benefits, including:
- reduced risk of flooding to nearby homes and roads
- planting, which will improve biodiversity
- an improved path into the Park and Common
These changes will improve the accessibility and enjoyment of Peckham Rye Park and Common for users.
Page last updated: 24 April 2024
