Enfield Council says the money will be used to return a 3.4km stretch of Salmons Brook “to a more natural state”

The Salmons Brook runs through a series of farms in the north-west of the borough before reaching Enfield's urban areas — Salmons Brook runs through a series of farms in the north-west of the borough before reaching Enfield’s urban areas

Salmons Brook will benefit from £500,000 in funding to help “restore” the river and surrounding farmland in north-west Enfield.

The money has been awarded to Enfield Council and environmental charity Thames21 by City Hall’s Green Roots Fund.

The funding will focus on a 3.4km stretch of Salmons Brook, in the area between Stagg Hill and Hadley Road. The work will help “return the river to a more natural state” and create new wetlands and woodland areas “for people and wildlife”.

The environmental project will also help reduce flooding, with around 2,000 homes downstream in Edmonton set to benefit from a reduced flood risk as a result of the work, according to the council.

Salmons Brook flows from Enfield borough’s north-west corner down through farmland, woodland, a golf course, and then through urban areas including Grange Park, Bush Hill Park and Edmonton, before reaching the River Lee Navigation in the south-east of the borough.

The river also runs through the area of Green Belt at Vicarage Farm set to be designated for housebuilding by the council in its new Enfield Local Plan, although this is not the same stretch that will benefit from the £500,000 grant, which is further north.

Enfield Council and Thames21 say they will work closely with local residents and community groups on the project. This will help make sure the area “becomes a shared space for nature, wellbeing and the local community”.

Sabri Ozaydin, the council’s cabinet member for environment and placemaking, said: “Salmons Brook is one of Enfield’s most loved local streams. We are working with our partners to improve the health of the river.

“Thanks to funding from the Mayor of London, this project will help us undo years of damage caused by pollution.”

Rebecca Turnpenney, catchment partnership officer at Thames21, said: “This project is a milestone for London’s rivers.

“By returning the Salmons Brook to its natural form, we are not only restoring habitats and reducing flood risk but also creating a space where local communities can connect with nature and each other.

“It shows what’s possible when bold vision, strong partnerships, and inclusive engagement come together.”

Mete Coban, City Hall’s deputy mayor for environment, added: “The mayor [Sir Sadiq Khan] and I are proud to support the Salmons Brook project which will help protect homes from flooding and create a natural landscape for the community to enjoy.

“This exemplifies what mayor’s Green Roots Fund is about – ensuring access to quality green space, supporting nature to improve our climate resilience, and helping to transform our neighbourhoods.

“We will continue to build a better, greener London for everyone.”

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