River Ching Action Plan

The River Ching is one of Waltham Forest’s most important natural assets. Flowing from Epping Forest through Highams Park and into the River Lea, it provides a vital corridor for wildlife and a valued green space for local communities. However, like many urban rivers, the Ching faces pressures from pollution, habitat loss and barriers that prevent fish and other species from moving freely along the watercourse.

To address these challenges, we are working with Thames21, the Environment Agency, local community groups and neighbouring authorities to deliver a long‑term River Ching Action Plan. This plan sets out how we will improve water quality, restore natural habitats and create better conditions for fish and wildlife to thrive.


Investigation works as part of the River Ching Action Plan (Source: LBWF)

Why is the Action Plan needed?

Although the Ching flows through some of the borough’s most picturesque landscapes, decades of urbanisation have altered the river’s natural form. Straightened channels, concrete banks and historic weirs have reduced the variety of habitats that fish depend on. In some sections, these barriers make it difficult for species such as dace, chub and brown trout to move upstream to spawn.

Water quality is another concern. Runoff from roads, misconnected plumbing and litter can all affect the health of the river. These pressures limit the diversity of species that can survive in the Ching and reduce its resilience to climate change. Our Action Plan aims to reverse these trends by restoring the river’s natural processes and improving the ecological conditions that support a healthy fish population.


A wooded part of the River Ching (Source: Ching Action Group)


Working in partnership to improve fish habitat

Thames21 has been carrying out detailed surveys along the River Ching to understand where fish are struggling and what improvements are needed. Their findings highlight several key opportunities:

  • Removing or modifying barriers such as weirs and culverts to allow fish to move freely
  • Re‑naturalising riverbanks by replacing hard edges with planted, gently sloping banks
  • Creating in‑channel features like gravel beds, woody debris, and meanders to provide shelter and spawning habitat
  • Improving water quality by tackling pollution sources and reducing runoff
  • Enhancing shade and vegetation to keep water temperatures stable and support aquatic life

These insights form the foundation of our River Ching Action Plan, which sets out a coordinated programme of improvements over the coming years.


The Ching joins the River Lea in South Chingford (Source: London's Lost Rivers)


Our commitments through the River Ching Action Plan

As a Council, we are committed to protecting and enhancing the borough’s waterways. Through the River Ching Action Plan, we will:

1. Improve access and riverside habitats

Improvements to paths and wayfinding will help more people to access and enjoy the River Ching. Planting native vegetation, improving shade, and restoring natural banks will create better conditions for wildlife and visitors.

2. Restore natural river processes

We will work with partners to reintroduce features such as gravel riffles, pools, and woody material that create varied habitats for fish and invertebrates. These features help slow the flow of water, reduce erosion and support a wider range of species.

3. Improve fish passage

Where historic structures block the movement of fish, we will explore options to remove, lower or bypass these barriers. Improving connectivity along the river is essential for healthy fish populations.

4. Reduce pollution and improve water quality, working with local communities

We will continue to work with Thames 21 to identify and address sources of pollution, including misconnected drains and surface‑water runoff. Community groups, citizen science and local stewardship projects play a crucial role in the health of the River Ching.


How can you get involved?

For several years the Ching Action Group has been monitoring pollution and water quality in the the River Ching, which led to an investigation by the Environment Agency and Thames Water in 2025. This is part of a growing movement of citizen scientists collecting water pollution data across the UK. Find out how you can contribute to the research here, or find out about other citizen science projects here.


View of the River Ching (Source: Environment Agency)


A river for wildlife and people

The River Ching Action Plan is part of our wider commitment to improving blue and green infrastructure across Waltham Forest. By restoring the river’s natural character and supporting thriving fish populations, we are creating a healthier, more resilient environment for both wildlife and residents. We will update this page to share updates and opportunities to get involved as the project progresses.

The River Ching is one of Waltham Forest’s most important natural assets. Flowing from Epping Forest through Highams Park and into the River Lea, it provides a vital corridor for wildlife and a valued green space for local communities. However, like many urban rivers, the Ching faces pressures from pollution, habitat loss and barriers that prevent fish and other species from moving freely along the watercourse.

To address these challenges, we are working with Thames21, the Environment Agency, local community groups and neighbouring authorities to deliver a long‑term River Ching Action Plan. This plan sets out how we will improve water quality, restore natural habitats and create better conditions for fish and wildlife to thrive.


Investigation works as part of the River Ching Action Plan (Source: LBWF)

Why is the Action Plan needed?

Although the Ching flows through some of the borough’s most picturesque landscapes, decades of urbanisation have altered the river’s natural form. Straightened channels, concrete banks and historic weirs have reduced the variety of habitats that fish depend on. In some sections, these barriers make it difficult for species such as dace, chub and brown trout to move upstream to spawn.

Water quality is another concern. Runoff from roads, misconnected plumbing and litter can all affect the health of the river. These pressures limit the diversity of species that can survive in the Ching and reduce its resilience to climate change. Our Action Plan aims to reverse these trends by restoring the river’s natural processes and improving the ecological conditions that support a healthy fish population.


A wooded part of the River Ching (Source: Ching Action Group)


Working in partnership to improve fish habitat

Thames21 has been carrying out detailed surveys along the River Ching to understand where fish are struggling and what improvements are needed. Their findings highlight several key opportunities:

  • Removing or modifying barriers such as weirs and culverts to allow fish to move freely
  • Re‑naturalising riverbanks by replacing hard edges with planted, gently sloping banks
  • Creating in‑channel features like gravel beds, woody debris, and meanders to provide shelter and spawning habitat
  • Improving water quality by tackling pollution sources and reducing runoff
  • Enhancing shade and vegetation to keep water temperatures stable and support aquatic life

These insights form the foundation of our River Ching Action Plan, which sets out a coordinated programme of improvements over the coming years.


The Ching joins the River Lea in South Chingford (Source: London's Lost Rivers)


Our commitments through the River Ching Action Plan

As a Council, we are committed to protecting and enhancing the borough’s waterways. Through the River Ching Action Plan, we will:

1. Improve access and riverside habitats

Improvements to paths and wayfinding will help more people to access and enjoy the River Ching. Planting native vegetation, improving shade, and restoring natural banks will create better conditions for wildlife and visitors.

2. Restore natural river processes

We will work with partners to reintroduce features such as gravel riffles, pools, and woody material that create varied habitats for fish and invertebrates. These features help slow the flow of water, reduce erosion and support a wider range of species.

3. Improve fish passage

Where historic structures block the movement of fish, we will explore options to remove, lower or bypass these barriers. Improving connectivity along the river is essential for healthy fish populations.

4. Reduce pollution and improve water quality, working with local communities

We will continue to work with Thames 21 to identify and address sources of pollution, including misconnected drains and surface‑water runoff. Community groups, citizen science and local stewardship projects play a crucial role in the health of the River Ching.


How can you get involved?

For several years the Ching Action Group has been monitoring pollution and water quality in the the River Ching, which led to an investigation by the Environment Agency and Thames Water in 2025. This is part of a growing movement of citizen scientists collecting water pollution data across the UK. Find out how you can contribute to the research here, or find out about other citizen science projects here.


View of the River Ching (Source: Environment Agency)


A river for wildlife and people

The River Ching Action Plan is part of our wider commitment to improving blue and green infrastructure across Waltham Forest. By restoring the river’s natural character and supporting thriving fish populations, we are creating a healthier, more resilient environment for both wildlife and residents. We will update this page to share updates and opportunities to get involved as the project progresses.