Works to improve Riverside Gardens in Erith will begin in Spring.

Ground Control have been contracted to deliver the improvements which include a new playground and outdoor fitness equipment on the riverside terrace. New planting will be added, including a dedicated growing space for the Friends of Riverside Gardens, increasing biodiversity and improving the drainage in the Gardens and along Erith High Street. A new ramp will make the route between the gardens and the Thames Path accessible for all users, while the reconfiguration of ground levels will make it easier to move around within the gardens, providing better views across the River Thames.

Careful consideration has been given to minimise tree removals as much as possible. However, to prepare and make space for these improvements, it will be necessary to remove nine trees.

Some of the trees cannot be retained because they are considered unsafe, whilst others are inappropriate for the site and/or prevent other trees from thriving. Some are selected as they are likely to fail in the near future and therefore will be replaced.

A number of new suitable trees will be planted as part of the improvements and those remaining will be pruned and lifted to improve their shape and condition.

All trees will be protected by the contractor to prevent damage throughout the works.

For more information regarding regeneration in Erith, please visit the Greater Erith website.