Part of the East London Green Grid, Erith Marsh is a degraded remnant of the once extensive grazing marsh typical of the entire Thames Estuary. The area is an important habitat for BAP protected species – the rare water vole, and migratory birds. Shape worked with Thames Water’s property manager and ecologist on the design and delivery of a programme of works which balanced habitat improvement and wider public access. Ditches were reconfigured for voles, and weirs built to control surface water flow; two broad mudflats were scraped to attract wading birds. Hides and viewing decks were constructed throughout the site, re-using existing site structures and recovered materials where possible as part of the project sustainability strategy. These were linked with carefully sited paths and bridges improving facilities for local people and wildlife enthusiasts. The project was delivered as part of the Managing the Marshes project for Groundwork London in partnership with LB Bexley, London Wildlife Trust, the Greater London Authority, Dartford BC and others.
