The Duke’s River Link project is one of the shortlisted projects for the Mayor’s Big Green Fund. Ilse Steyl, the Development Manager of the Crane Valley Partnership tells us why this project deserves your support.....
The Duke of Northumberland’s River is a little known river in west London. Built in the 1540s, during the reign of King Henry VIII, its purpose was to increase the flow of the River Crane to supply more water to new and existing mills on the river. The upper section of the river flows from the River Colne to the River Crane in Hounslow. The lower 4km stretch of the river runs from the River Crane in Twickenham to the River Thames in Old Isleworth. This old river used to provide water for the fish ponds of Syon Abbey, and water power for Watneys Brewery.
The waterway is home to kingfishers and water voles. The riverside walk links the River Crane with the River Thames along traffic free paths, connecting communities along the way. The path also passes two rugby grounds, Harlequins and Twickenham stadiums, as well as one of the largest sewage works in Europe, Mogden.
Although you can walk from west Twickenham to Old Isleworth along the footpath, long stretches are in poor condition and very narrow. We want to turn this section of the Duke’s River into a haven for wildlife, joining up green spaces and providing opportunities for people to enjoy extended walks along the river. We also want to improve the ecology of the river corridor, put in new sign-posts and create leaflets so that visitors and residents can appreciate this beautiful river away from the hustle and bustle of the urban environment.
To help us make this happen, please vote for the Duke's River Link.