Chestnuts Field Wetlands

The Chestnuts Field Flood Mitigation Project is designed to protect properties on Sturge Avenue and Spruce Hills Road from surface water flooding while also reducing flood risks to downstream areas. The project includes three interconnected basins and adjustments to the public highway, including a speed table at the junction of Sturge Avenue and Spruce Hills Road, to redirect surface water run off into the newly created wetlands in Chestnuts Field. 

In addition to flood protection, the project enhances community amenity space for public use, fostering recreational activities and engagement. By creating new habitats, it promotes biodiversity and ecological conservation. The project also focuses on improving water quality, with the first basin acting as a sediment trap and first treatment stage complemented by pollution-reducing plantings in the other two basins. 

Two new viewing platforms and seating areas will be added, offering visitors a chance to enjoy the views of this newly created wetland area and offering potential open learning opportunities for local schools. 

View the Chestnut field Consultation Boards scheme plans (PDF)

As construction of the scheme is nearing completion, the Council in partnership with Thames21 is organising a community planting day for the local community to join in and help us with finalising the landscaping and planting. 

There will also be opportunities to help maintain the wetlands for future generations that are being developed within the Council’s emerging Waltham Forest Blue Spaces Community Stewardship Programme