04 Nov 2003 - 01 Jan 2004
Beverley Brook returns to life
Richmond Park

A stream that for a century was so polluted that it was almost lifeless has this year marked a major step on its road to recovery with confirmation of a thriving eco-system of plants, insects and fish. Species of fish that had been absent for decades have been found in the brook once again indicating that ecological recovery is well underway.

Beverley Brook, which runs from through Richmond Park and Wimbledon Common before entering the Thames at Putney, was at one time badly affected by poorly treated effluent from the old Worcester Park Sewage Works. Five years ago the sewage works were replaced with the Hogsmill Water Treatment plant and its modern methods led to a major improvement in water quality.

Periodic sampling by the Environment Agency has found an increasing range of aquatic plants and invertebrates. Three-spined sticklebacks were some of the first fish to move back and three years ago the numbers of Banded Demoiselle damselfly, a species that is notoriously intolerant of pollution, took off. Local volunteers two years ago found newly arrived fish species in the brook, including, oddly, a large goldfish and this year the volunteers have found Dace, Roach and sizeable Chubb, all in good condition.

Simon Richards, Park Manager for Richmond Park said: "This is an important sign that the brook really is beginning to recover. As yet the populations are small but they are growing and hopefully other species will appear in the next few years."

Tony Drakeford, Vice-chair of the Wimbledon and Putney Common Conservators, said: "A management plan is underway to further enhance the brook environmentally and visually, so with luck and a little time we may once again watch Brown Trout rising to the fly on this ancient waterway."

Nigel Reeve, The Royal Parks' Community Ecologist, added: "This is great news for wildlife but the goldfish is a bit of a problem. They get released into water bodies and they can cause untold problems as they crossbreed with other carp and mess things up generally. It's not something I'd encourage but I suppose it does show the brook is recovering well."

Source:
The Royal Parks

For further information contact:
The Royal Parks Press Office T: 0300 061 2128 E: press@royalparks.gsi.gov.uk

Editor's notes:
Richmond Park is London's largest Site of Special Scientific Interest, a National Nature Reserve, a Grade 1 Listed landscape and a candidate European Special Area of Conservation. Species records for the Park include 49 grasses, rush and sedges; over 250 fungi; more than 1000 beetles; 546 butterflies and moths; 139 spiders; 144 birds; and 25 mammals.

Millions of Londoners and tourists visit the eight Royal Parks for free each year. The 5,000 acres of carefully conserved historic parkland provide unparalleled opportunities for enjoyment, exploration and healthy living in the heart of the capital.

The Royal Parks are: Bushy Park, Green Park, Greenwich Park, Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, Regent's Park (with Primrose Hill), Richmond Park and St James's Park.