Wildways Along the Ching

‘Wildways Along the Ching’ will enhance habitats, improve river health and promote climate resilience across Highams Park and along the River Ching. This project will run from the start of 2026 to Summer 2027, and is made possible by a strong partnership of local organisations, voluntary groups and residents, working together to improve green spaces for nature and people. There will be opportunities for everyone to get involved, discover and connect with nature and waterways as part of the ‘Wildways’ community network.

The project focusses on three locations: Wadham meadow, the banks of the Ching and Aldriche Way Estate; with smaller interventions and activities on other nearby housing estates, allotments and schools; creating stepping stone habitats connecting nature between Walthamstow Marshes and Epping Forest.


Ching Action Group beside the Ching

How to get involved

From tree planting and water quality testing, to nature inspired arts and community walks – there is a Wildways event for everyone.

  • Volunteer with TCV or Ching Action Group
  • Come along to an event hosted by Artillery or local groups
  • Attend a food growing workshop
  • Connect through your school session delivered by the Hive

Dates for your diary:

Understanding your soil & organic growing methods, Bateman Road Allotments, Saturday 16 May 1pm to 3pm. More details and sign up here

Biodiversity Action Team: Hedgehog habitats, Wadham Meadow, Tuesday 19 May 11am to 3pm. More details and sign up here

Wildways with Artists, a five month programme led by Artillery inviting artists to creatively explore the River Ching and the Wildways objectives. Call for Artists:Expression Of Interest Deadline: 10am Thursday 21 May - Download the Information Pack

What changes will you see during the project?

At Wadham Meadow and Woodland we will create a wildflower meadow, carry out bulb and tree planting, add informal paths and wildlife habitat improvements to encourage hedgehog, bats, smaller birds, animals and insects.

Along the River Ching bank various improvements include planting along the banks of the river, developing a plan for removal of invasive species and introducing kingfisher perches. Working with Thames21 and the Ching Action Group, we will dovetail our work with Ching Action plan and Fish Passage feasibility plans.

Aldriche Way Estate is a large 1960s built housing estate in Higham's Park where the outside space is predominantly paved. With support from the local charity East London Waterworks Park, residents will co-design a plan to transform the outdoor areas into thriving green spaces. These improvements will benefit both people and nature, reducing flood risk and creating more space for wildlife.


Map of The Ching and Wildways Project Locations


Working in partnership to make change

Local partners have a huge wealth of local knowledge and expertise to make this project a success; Artillery, Ching Action Group, East London Waterworks Park, OrganicLea, TCV and The Hive. Plus support from Thames21 and Highams Park Snedders.


Want to find out more?

Click here to read about Wildways at Aldriche Way Estate.

Click here to read about Wildways with Artists run by Artillery

‘Wildways Along the Ching’ will enhance habitats, improve river health and promote climate resilience across Highams Park and along the River Ching. This project will run from the start of 2026 to Summer 2027, and is made possible by a strong partnership of local organisations, voluntary groups and residents, working together to improve green spaces for nature and people. There will be opportunities for everyone to get involved, discover and connect with nature and waterways as part of the ‘Wildways’ community network.

The project focusses on three locations: Wadham meadow, the banks of the Ching and Aldriche Way Estate; with smaller interventions and activities on other nearby housing estates, allotments and schools; creating stepping stone habitats connecting nature between Walthamstow Marshes and Epping Forest.


Ching Action Group beside the Ching

How to get involved

From tree planting and water quality testing, to nature inspired arts and community walks – there is a Wildways event for everyone.

  • Volunteer with TCV or Ching Action Group
  • Come along to an event hosted by Artillery or local groups
  • Attend a food growing workshop
  • Connect through your school session delivered by the Hive

Dates for your diary:

Understanding your soil & organic growing methods, Bateman Road Allotments, Saturday 16 May 1pm to 3pm. More details and sign up here

Biodiversity Action Team: Hedgehog habitats, Wadham Meadow, Tuesday 19 May 11am to 3pm. More details and sign up here

Wildways with Artists, a five month programme led by Artillery inviting artists to creatively explore the River Ching and the Wildways objectives. Call for Artists:Expression Of Interest Deadline: 10am Thursday 21 May - Download the Information Pack

What changes will you see during the project?

At Wadham Meadow and Woodland we will create a wildflower meadow, carry out bulb and tree planting, add informal paths and wildlife habitat improvements to encourage hedgehog, bats, smaller birds, animals and insects.

Along the River Ching bank various improvements include planting along the banks of the river, developing a plan for removal of invasive species and introducing kingfisher perches. Working with Thames21 and the Ching Action Group, we will dovetail our work with Ching Action plan and Fish Passage feasibility plans.

Aldriche Way Estate is a large 1960s built housing estate in Higham's Park where the outside space is predominantly paved. With support from the local charity East London Waterworks Park, residents will co-design a plan to transform the outdoor areas into thriving green spaces. These improvements will benefit both people and nature, reducing flood risk and creating more space for wildlife.


Map of The Ching and Wildways Project Locations


Working in partnership to make change

Local partners have a huge wealth of local knowledge and expertise to make this project a success; Artillery, Ching Action Group, East London Waterworks Park, OrganicLea, TCV and The Hive. Plus support from Thames21 and Highams Park Snedders.


Want to find out more?

Click here to read about Wildways at Aldriche Way Estate.

Click here to read about Wildways with Artists run by Artillery