Unlocking the power of water for climate resilience

London Rivers Week from 30 May to 8 June is an annual celebration of London’s waterways. It raises awareness of the importance of healthy rivers and the role they play in urban resilience, biodiversity, and community wellbeing.

In a changing climate, looking after our rivers is essential for protecting homes, supporting ecosystems, and creating healthier, more sustainable borough.

Let’s take this opportunity to learn more about how Community BlueScapes supports local initiatives through funding and innovation in climate resilience to protect our bluespaces including our rivers.

Funding available to protect communities and properties from flooding

In May 2025, Community BlueScapes launched a £30,000 grant programme, offering up to £1,000 per person or £5,000 per organisation to support projects that help drive innovation in flood and coastal resilience.

The Community BlueScapes Fund can be used for a project to help residents prepare for or recover from flooding and extreme weather, improve natural spaces in the borough, or help local communities connect with nature. These grants can be used in partnership funding or contribute to a larger project.

Residents or groups can apply for a grant of up to £1,000 per person or group without an organisation bank account, and up to £5,000 per group with an organisation bank account.

Apply before Friday 20 June 2025.

Projects funded in 2024

In 2024, the Community BlueScapes Fund approved funding for 10 projects helping residents and local groups improve natural spaces and adapt to a changing climate.

Here are a few funded projects from last year.

New rainwater harvesting system at St Mary’s Magdalen Mortlake Church

Through the fund St Mary’s Magdalen Mortlake Church were able to install a new rainwater harvesting system. The new system of downpipes, guttering, and eight water butts, means rainwater now flows from the roof and collects in these containers, minimising the amount of water entering storm drains.

Find out more about St Mary’s Magdalen Mortlake's system, including how it's promoting eco-friendly water usage using churchyards and open spaces and see how small changes can have a big impact. 

Barn Elms Allotment Society’s water butts giveaway

Last year, Barn Elms Allotment Society was awarded a Community Fund grant from Community Bluescapes, providing their members with free water butts, so gardeners could conserve water on their plot and improve their growing conditions.

Jane, one of the society’s members, has had a plot at Barn Elms for over 12 years: “This is my safe happy place that I come to. I think it's wonderful that people who didn't before have a water butt are now getting one.

"Rainwater is much better for the plant, it's much better for the earth, it's much better for ecology, and it makes it easy for people to conserve water.”

Rainwater is softer and free of the chemicals often found in tap water, and it’s ideal for a thriving garden. We are delighted to support local allotment groups with sustainability goals, helping nurture both the environment and the communities that rely on these spaces. 

Tanja James’ new and transformed garden space

With support from Community BlueScapes, Tanja turned her 12-square-meter yard in Mortlake into a sustainable and flood-resilient oasis - while also creating a space for local wildlife to enjoy.

Tanja replaced the old concrete base in her garden with permeable materials like shingle and pebbles. The new surface helps reduce surface water run-off and gives rainwater more time to soak into the ground. A small pond was also added to hold water and provide a home for biodiversity, with plans to dig a larger pond in the garden. Not only is Tanja’s yard helping the environment but a lovely space for her and local wildlife to enjoy.

You can read more about Tanja's garden.

Michael Kemp’s sustainable drainage system

Michael installed a sustainable drainage system in his garden called a soakaway, which works by storing water during heavy rainfall and releasing it slowly into the ground. He said: “I know people who have been affected by flooding in the past, especially during the 2021 storm. After this I think there was an awareness that we are in a risky area and this is a problem that could affect us in the near future.

“Neighbours and friends have been very interested and want to know more about the project. Typical properties in this area are covered in hard surfaces and our water is simply rushing into drains and overwhelming sewers. This can cause a serious incident during a storm. Schemes like this can prevent almost all of the rain draining on your property from ever reaching the drains. Think what impact this could have if we all installed systems like this!” 

You can read more about Michael's system.

More information

Inspired and ready to get stuck into your own project? Apply now and make a green impact on our community.

Community BlueScapes - and the Community BlueScapes Fund - is a partnership between the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, Barnes Common Limited, and Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT), the charity for wetlands and wildlife. The programme has been awarded £6 million from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) through its £200 million Flood and Coastal Innovation Programmes.

You can sign up to local events for London Rivers Week and see latest news on Community BlueScapes.