Installing coir rolls with volunteers at Hackbridge (Duncan Soar)

The Heritage Lottery Fund announced today that the Wandle is one of 11 landscapes that will share in a total of over £18 million to conserve and enhance distinctive landscapes.

This Landscape Partnership Scheme award enables organisations to come together to deliver landscape improvements and change.  The ‘Living Wandle’ bid was submitted by a number of different organisations and groups working in the Wandle Valley to engage the local community and help people connect with and improve the Wandle landscape.

In this successful round of funding, the HLF awarded the Wandle partnership £78,000 towards the development of projects which will have a total value of over £2 million and be implemented throughout the Wandle Valley.

This is the first time that a Landscape Partnership Scheme has been awarded to an urban landscape.  Here’s a taste of what the press have been saying:

Saved, 11 views to savour
The Independent

It is one of Croydon’s best-kept secrets – even to the people who live in the town – that the River Wandle starts there before winding its way, sometimes under concrete, to join the Thames at Wandsworth…

Wandle to be transformed with £2m ‘beauty spot’ award
Evening Standard

A river valley that spans four boroughs in south-west London is to be transformed thanks to its share of an £18 million award for beauty spots…

Heritage fund to be shared across 11 British areas
The Guardian

The Living Wandle project aims to breathe new life into the River Wandle which flows through four boroughs, Croydon, Sutton, Merton and Wandsworth in south London…