10 years ago to the day – 06.11.2014 – was when I first visited Canada Water for British Land's Canada Water Masterplan.
Following that visit, we began to develop ideas and a vision for the Dock, and it wasn’t long before we were engaging the local community with ideas about activating the dock edges, getting people closer to the water and experiencing nature via a boardwalk – which was positively received.
Our aim was to enhance the ecology and biodiversity of the Dock, while retaining the large expanse of water to reflect the local heritage of the area. We also wanted to create a place that allowed people to socialise, to enjoy nature and to admire the views. The proposals included activating the edges of the dock, stepping them down and providing seating steps on the southern edge. A dipping pond would enable people to engage with wildlife, alongside a children’s amphitheatre to involve local school groups, and a boardwalk to allow interactive access through the dock and wetland habitat.
This vision for the Dock was developed through several years of engagement with Southwark Council, key stakeholders, and the people who live and work there.
To recover the wetland habitat and restore it to its former ecosystem, the existing vegetation was removed - although very green, it was no longer ‘distinctive’. The soils were re-profiled into a network of islands and channels, increasing the marginal habitat zones beneficial to water invertebrates and for feeding wetland birds. Seven wetland islands with native planting have been created, with different supporting habitat mosaics such as reedbeds, wet woodland and sedge meadow. The public realm surrounding the dock collects and filters rainwater through the planting and tree pits which helps top up and maintain consistent water levels in the dock, with any excess water exiting through the adjacent Albion Channel and out to the Thames. In essence, the Dock becomes a major sustainable urban drainage system that flushes clean fresh water through the wider network improving the health of the wider ecosystem.
The proposal for the Boardwalk evolved throughout continued dialogue in the masterplan public engagement sessions and feedback received from the local community. The concept for crossing the water has always been about providing an experience to connect people with nature – as outlined in those early community engagements. Asif Khan MBE successfully materialised that concept after an architectural competition, with a stunningly elegant bridge that gently curves through the mosaic of wetlands built to a high level of craftsmanship. It is an iconic piece of infrastructure that will become a local landmark for Canada Water.
It was incredibly rewarding seeing people use and experience the Dock at the opening last weekend.
I look forward to seeing the growth and development of the new Dock in the future. (Bring on 06.11.2034!)
Townshend Landscape Architects | London Wildlife Trust
