Stage 4 Preferred Fish Passage Solutions and Next Steps

The outcomes of the options appraisals enabled the selection of the preferred fish passage (habitat) solutions which could be taken forward to the next phase of the project. The solutions were chosen based upon their potential to successfully provide upstream and downstream passage for migratory fish/eels without impacting upon the existing hydrological, geomorphological, and ecological characteristics of the Carshalton and Croydon branches of the River Wandle.

Confirmation on the preferred fish passage (habitat) solutions to be taken forward for further investigation in order to derive the final preferred solution, was validated through consultation with SES Water, partners and residents of the River Wandle through various stakeholder meetings undertaken in February 2021, January 2022, June 2022 and July 2022.

Next Steps

The following next steps will be undertaken as part of the Shepley Mill Habitat Restoration Project:

  • Further investigations and assessments, such as Hydraulic Modelling and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Assessments to support the selection of the preferred fish passage option for the project. The Hydraulic Modelling will particularly focus on how the options may influence the hydrological connectivity between the Carshalton and Croydon branches; and the ecological features of Wildness Island such as the ponds and wetlands.

  • Detailed design of the of preferred option, which will be agreed with the Steering Group and local residence of the River Wandle based upon the outcomes of the Hydraulic Modelling and BNG Assessments.

  • Preparation of consents and construction of the preferred option for the Shepley Mill Habitat Restoration Project.

Proposed Programme - Shepley Mill Fish Passage (Habitat Restoration) Project