Work completed on the Lost Peck Flood Alleviation and Environmental Improvement Scheme
VolkerStevin, working on behalf of Southwark Council, has completed work on the £2.2m Lost Peck Flood Alleviation and Environmental Improvement Scheme in Peckham Rye Park and Common. This scheme is a model of nature-based solutions, integrating natural processes and features to address environmental challenges—in this case, flood risk reduction while enhancing biodiversity and local ecosystems. The team has been working to reduce flood risk to 111 properties in the area of Peckham.
During extreme storm events, large volumes of surface water run down the flowpath of the ‘lost’ River Peck on the common, exposing the area and nearby properties to the risk of flooding. Sections of the common also get naturally wet and boggy during the winter, limiting the use of those sections for sports and recreational purposes.
The team has installed flood bunds to provide flood attenuation with landscaping and land drainage laid throughout the park and common, which will reduce the amount of surface water run-off.
To help protect the environment during the project, the team worked closely with the Southwark Tree Officer to mitigate all impact on established trees in the common. This was done by selecting innovative temporary trackway systems and carefully planning access routes, with the Southwark Tree Officer’s consultation. They placed 700m of temporary trackway, to protect existing ground, which also reduced vehicle movements to site by 80% when compared with creating a traditional stone haul road.
Due to the location of the site, the team erected 3.2km of fencing to protect the public from site vehicle movements and created manned crossing points at selected locations along footpaths to reduce impact on the users of the park and common.
Alongside flood prevention, Southwark Council wanted to create a multifunctional space that serves the community year-round, reduces the risk of surface water flooding and enhances the area whilst preserving the rich ecological heritage. To help work towards this goal the VolkerStevin team worked to create wildlife habitats using excess site material and sewing meadow seeds. They also provided job opportunities for local people, apprenticeships and educational opportunities for local schools, as well as social value activities such as donating to a local foodbank, helping to restore the Peckham Totem Pole and donating whiteboards and stationery to local schools.
