Work on a new eco-project designed to support aquatic life in the River Wandle will begin this summer.

Wandsworth Council will remove a tidal weir at the mouth of the Wandle, along with layers of contaminated sediment that have been building in the delta over the course of the last century, writes Sophia Abadzis.

The project, which will be completed in early 2017, is backed by the Environment Agency, the Marine Management Organisation, and the Port of London Authority.

It aims to improve water flow and remove sludge and silt which will expose the gravel river bed, and restore a habitat suitable for wildlife. The area, measuring roughly a hectare in size, could become a spawning and nursery area for young fish.

The project is funded by Thames Water, and is part of the work to improve water quality, restore lost wildlife habitats, and lessen the impact of its Thames Tideway Tunnel.

Councillor Jonathan Cook, the council’s environment spokesman, said: "This project is being carried out in partnership with Thames Water and aims to breathe new life into the Wandle.

"Removing the sludge and silt that has built up over the years and allowing the water to flow much more freely will hopefully restore a thriving habitat for fish and other aquatic wildlife. It will also encourage a much wider range of plant life to flourish in the river again."