Situation
The Environment Agency has issued a warning letter to the River Roding Trust following an investigation into unpermitted work carried out at Alders Brook in Ilford.
This follows previous warnings about damage that was done to a flood defence at Hertford Road, in Barking.
The Environment Agency concluded that warning letters were a proportionate response on this occasion, recognising the trust's genuine commitment to improving the local environment.
Core Position
Across England, we work closely with and strongly support communities taking action to improve their local environment. We recognise the value of working together for homes and habitats.
However, we would not be fulfilling our statutory role if such work were to proceed without the appropriate environmental permit in place. These permits are not a tick-box exercise — they exist to ensure activities are properly assessed and do not cause unintended harm to flood risk, drainage, or the wider environment.
Alders Brook, Ilford
The Environment Agency has issued a warning letter to the trust following an investigation into unpermitted work carried out at Alders Brook in Ilford.
The investigation found that work at Alders Brook in March this year damaged wildlife habitats, and led to the spread of invasive species Japanese knotweed, due to a failure to follow biosecurity protocols.
We are committed to exploring with the River Roding Trust how their future work can ensure all risks are managed and that it delivers the best outcomes for the environment and for people.
Hertford Road, Barking
This latest warning follows advice and guidance given after damage was done to a flood defence at Hertford Road, in Barking.
In an incident last May, unauthorised access was gained to private land and an artificial pond created on an area of retained ground that forms an integral part of the flood defence, which residents and businesses depend on for protection from flooding.
Detail – Why the Concern?
We note that litter and debris were cleared; the river is no longer stagnant and is now flowing. This is a positive outcome.
However, environmental impacts have been observed, and the work raised concerns in four key areas:
- The spread of invasive species on site, with a risk of further spread beyond the site, as it appears biosecurity protocols may not have been followed.
- The removal of trees, scrub and bank vegetation that provided important habitat for species for feeding, shelter and nesting. The full impact of this is currently unknown.
- The dredging disturbed sediment and released possible-polluting silt.
- The dredging carried out was not compliant with the relevant regulations, and there will have been impacts on the riverbed and banks as the channel was deepened and widened.
The Environment Agency and River Roding Trust share the same goal of protecting and enhancing the River Roding. We have invited the Chair of the trust to meet with us, and we look forward to discussing next steps with them, including supporting the trust navigate the permit process and inform of how they could minimise application costs.
But this isn’t just about permits. It's about trying to prevent actual damage to the environment we are all seeking to improve.
You can read our news release: Environment Agency issues warning to River Roding Trust - GOV.UK
4 comments
Comment by Ian Gregory posted on
It’s difficult to follow all the rules and regulations on a river.
What the EA tell us is ok is not ok with Natural England and then throw in the SSSI and complete confusion reigns.
All we wanted to do was remove a dead willow falling into the river.
£20,000 fine if we get it wrong apparently.
Comment by Nick Hanchard posted on
Thames water illegally pollute sewage into the River Roding on a regular basis. Why don’t you fulfil your statutory role and prosecute them?
Surely this is double standards.
Comment by Jon posted on
I live near the Roding and there is what should be a lovely paddling spot in Wanstead Park. But the lack of the EA's ability to adequately regulate Thames Water make me fearful of allowing my son to enjoy this.
You've spent time prosecuting the only organisation that seems to be actually doing something to make my son's experience of the river safe. And beyond this improving the chances of wildlife in the wider area.
Based on the points you raised against the Trust, what is the EA doing?
- Invasive species: what have you done to tackle this?
- How are you restoring trees, scrub and bank vegetation? (as you say this is critical for improving wildlife)
- How are you taking action to improve the flow of the river? (for example, removing rubbish and sediment that has built up artificially)
- Lack of control of Thames Waters dumping sewage is one of the most concerning aspects of the water quality on the Roding. What have you actually done to materially stop them dumping raw sewage into the river children regularly paddle in?
- The concern for the volunteers seems pretty false when you don't seem to show the same action against organisations that are actively polluting the river and endangering the health of the public along and around it.
Comment by Lisa posted on
It does raise the question of why the only people doing anything about clearing the enormous amount of debris in the river is a volunteer group. The area is well neglected and full of rubbish. It says the sediment was disturbed but why is such a buildup of waste left there without any improvement by local councils, Thames Water and landowners. It is due to neglect of the river and surrounding areas that the volunteers have stepped in. Leaving it as it was full of rubbish also causes environmental damage.
Thames water needs to be held accountable for damage to local areas and habitat and end sewage spills.
As a local resident I find it truly disgusting that the river is left in such an abominable state especially as they are building thousands of new homes along the river.