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Press Release 20 June
Twickenham Riverside Environmental Audit Meeting
The Terrace Garden Group, in conjunction with the Riverside Coordination
Group, recently had the opportunity to gain an insight into to the
potential biodiversity along the Twickenham riverside when the initial
results of investigations were presented to an Environmental subgroup.
The Twickenham Pool site has apparently been under the watchful
eye of ecological researchers for some time, with interesting results,
not least of which is that their findings add more weight to the
argument that an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) should have
been prepared as part of the Dawnay Day Planning application.
Biodiversity Survey: summary of findings
The abandoned Baths site is, after 22 years, a refuge for urban
wildlife - having been colonised by endemic and exotic plant species
alongside the original planted varieties. Unusual, less competitive
species are able to gain a foothold by the prevention of 'crowding
out' by fast growing ruderal or weedy species.
A survey conducted on the site over some fifteen years has shown
the regeneration of a significant, biodiverse river foreshore and
riverbank site. Some 85 species of plants have been recorded. The
biodiverse environment provides feeding grounds and habitats for
traditional riverside wildlife, including bats, that exist in notably
heavier concentrations that elsewhere along the riverbank.
Importantly, exotics that have invaded other river-side sites have
not flourished on this site, leaving the native, local Thames-side
species to regenerate. The site has remained relatively uncontaminated
by fertilisers and other water-bourn materials carried from upstream.
All species on the site are essential for the regeneration of locally
adapted flora along the local river banks and hence, eventually,
will lead to more sustainable populations of local flora, fowl and
fauna. The range and locally adapted characteristics of the species
are crucial for the future well-being of Richmond's river-foreshores.
Impact of redevelopment on the Twickenham
Baths Site
The Dawnay Day scheme (now subject to a forthcoming Public Inquiry)
proposes a large development that rises up to 15 metres (roughly
equivalent to 5 storeys) above Embankment level, and would go down
to a depth of more than 7 meters (roughly equivalent to two storeys)
below the Embankment level.
As no Environmental Impact Assessment was prepared, no assessment
was done as to the physical impact of such a construction project.
No calculations were provided to show the likely displacement of
the river bed adjacent to the building. The weight of water in the
tidal Thames immediately in front of the proposed building varies
with the tide.
Without a consistent weight of water, it can be argued that a building
of the size proposed, that will be built into the river foreshore,
river bank and flood plain, is likely to cause heave in the river
bed. In the particular circumstances of the site, where the main
navigation channel passes on the other side of Eel Pie Island, the
consequence of even a few millimetres of heave will be, briefly:
- the diversion of more water around the far side of the Island
- the slowing of the water current on the Twickenham side
- the deposition of silt with a slower current
- the silting up of the Twickenham channel
- the decreasing of Richmond's overall flood capacity.
Without extensive research, including an hydraulic model, this effect
can neither be accurately predicted nor calculated.
Wind tunnels
The construction of a large buildings right up to the boundaries of
the site will channel wind down Wharf and Water Lanes. The effect
on the river and Eel Pie island has not been calculated. There may
be safety implications for rowers, especially those who are learning.
Noise levels
Trees disperse sound. The removal of trees from within the site could
lead to increased noise levels for Eel Pie Island residents and others
in Water and Wharf Lanes, and the flats in King Street. The effects
have not been assessed.
Opportunities
The Terrace Garden Group believes that the new information on the
range of species of plant and wild life to be found on the site reinforces
their idea of undertaking only the minimum of works to open up the
site for public access, as represented by the existing Planning Permission
held by the group and as currently being updated.
These ideas include:-
- Biodiversity in the urban context
Some of the scientific experts who carried out the survey would
like to see the Baths site become an example of the regeneration
of biodiversity in the urban environment, having an important
educational function in bring school children and others back
in touch with nature.
- Riparian Plants: regeneration programme
The site could perhaps, with a little work, become the source
of riparian plants made available to the public. An important
initiative could be commenced by the Group almost immediately,
perhaps in partnership with Kew Gardens, for a regeneration programme
of a wide range of local riverside species and, in time, the controlled
regeneration of the river banks. The site could become a show
site, providing an example to other riparian boroughs.
- An Educational Landscape, Plant and Wildlife Management Regime
The Terrace Garden Group's proposals can and will be adapted to
incorporate the findings from the Biological Diversity Survey
This illustration shows how the differing requirements for retention
of buildings, plants and wild life, and public access could be integrated.
Next Steps
When the scientific information is properly collated and formatted
the Terrace Garden Group will make it available to the Council for
inclusion in their considerations as to the future of the Riverside
Baths site, together with the offer to the Council by the Twickenham
Riverside Terrace Garden Trust to implement, with the new Council's
assistance, our proposals to ensure early and continued public access
to this important riverside site.
Terrace Garden Group 20th July 2002
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