Situation
The Environment Agency has issued a warning letter to the River Roding Trust following an investigation into unpermitted work carried out at Alders Brook in Ilford.
This follows previous warnings about damage that was done to a flood defence at Hertford Road, in Barking.
The Environment Agency concluded that warning letters were a proportionate response on this occasion, recognising the trust's genuine commitment to improving the local environment.
Core Position
Across England, we work closely with and strongly support communities taking action to improve their local environment. We recognise the value of working together for homes and habits.
However, we would not be fulfilling our statutory role if such work were to proceed without the appropriate environmental permit in place. These permits are not a tick-box exercise — they exist to ensure activities are properly assessed and do not cause unintended harm to flood risk, drainage, or the wider environment.
Alders Brook, Ilford
To be clear, no decision has been made to prosecute the River Roding Trust.
The Environment Agency has issued a warning to the trust following an investigation into unpermitted work carried out at Alders Brook in Ilford.
The investigation found that work at Alders Brook in March this year damaged wildlife habitats, and led to the spread of invasive species Japanese knotweed, due to a failure to follow biosecurity protocols.
We are committed to exploring how future work can ensure all risks are managed and that it delivers better outcomes for the environment and for people.
Hertford Road, Ilford
This latest warning follows one given to the trust about damage done to a flood defence at Hertford Road, in Barking.
In an incident last July, the trust gained unauthorised access to private land and damaged the flood defence, which residents and businesses depend on for protection from flooding.
Detail – Why the Concern?
We note that litter and debris were cleared; the river is no longer stagnant and is now flowing. This is a positive outcome.
However, potentially significant environmental impacts have been identified, and the work raised concerns in five key areas:
The potential spread of invasive species on site, with a risk of further spread beyond the site, as it appears biosecurity protocols may not have been followed. The removal of trees, scrub and bank vegetation that provided important habitat for species for feeding, shelter and nesting. The full impact of this is currently unknown. Visual evidence that dredging disturbed sediment and released possible-polluting silt. The presence of a Thames Water sewer running through and beneath the brook. If this had been struck during dredging, it could have caused raw sewage to enter the river, resulting in a significant pollution incident. Concerns regarding the health and safety of individuals working on site.The Environment Agency and River Roding Trust share the same goal of protecting the River Roding. We have invited the trust to meet with us, and we look forward to discussing next steps with them, including helping the trust navigate the permit process.
But this isn’t just about permits. It's about trying to prevent actual damage to the environment we are all seeking to improve.
You can read our news release: Environment Agency issues warning to River Roding Trust - GOV.UK
seen at 16:43, 25 June in Creating a better place.