Flood Alleviation Scheme at Cuddington Recreation Ground

Summary

The project will extend the open part of the Beverley Brook and create a permanent wetland and two basins which will temporarily hold storm water for times of heavy flow. Water will reconnect back into the Thames Water main drain at a reduced flow rate, taking pressure off the drains further down in the town.

The decision to award the construction contract was made on 13 February 2026.

The contractor will maintain the works for the first two years and then it will become the responsibility of the Sutton Parks Team. 

Timeline

• Work is expected to start during the week commencing 27 April 2026 and will take about 5-6 months to complete. 
• New planting including meadow seeding and trees will then take place immediately as long as ground and weather conditions are suitable or in Spring 2027 if necessary. 

It will be necessary to close off some areas of the recreation ground whilst works are taking place. We apologise for the inconvenience during the construction works. 

Purpose

The Sutton Surface Water Management Plan identifies Worcester Park as the most at risk Critical Drainage Area in Sutton. 

Summer 2021 Flooding

Flooding in 2021 proved the need for a further flood alleviation scheme in Worcester Park. 

• 41 properties in Worcester Park were reported to the Council as flooded internally on 25 July 2021. 
• Sutton Council completed a flood investigation

What we are providing

Once completed, the scheme will:

• provide approximately 4,000m3 of flood storage
• store a similar amount of water to the 25 July 2021 storm
• reduce the risk of flooding to around 200 homes in Worcester Park
• capture leaves and branches in the wetland

Environmental Improvements

Planting

The planting plan is:

• wildflower meadow and grass planting will provide a network of tall grasses to help support a variety of native pollinators.
• along the Brook, a mix of native wild flowers and grasses adapted for drought tolerance and wet soil tolerance will be introduced.
• located around the wetland, the planting here will add colour and vibrancy whilst also providing shelter for wetland wildlife and invertebrates. Planting around the edge of the water will filter and clean the water, produce oxygen (which is essential for the survival of aquatic organisms), as well as provide long term storage for nutrients.

The tree strategy aims to encourage a wide range of native species that complements the existing landscape by increasing tree diversity and variety and acts as protective measures to increase the resilience against climate change.

Recreation Ground Amenity 

The Recreation Ground will remain open space except the wetland which will be fenced for the vegetation to establish. 
The existing path will cross the Brook over a new bridge which is aligned and strong enough for maintenance vehicles. 
The gym equipment will be moved and rearranged so it can be used sociably. 
A fun family friendly multi-user route across rolling landforms will be created to the east of the Recreation Ground. The dug up earth will be re-used for these landforms which will dramatically reduce the number of lorry movements and disruption and carbon compared to taking the earth away.

Engagement 

Changes made to the plans following resident engagement and feedback: