Will sewage pollution affect the introduction of beavers to South Norwood Country Park?

Croydon Council has stated that the sewage misconnections and resulting pollution will not affect the plans to introduce Eurasian beavers to the park's lake.

What is causing sewage pollution in Chaffinch Brook?

Sewage misconnections from nearby homes are causing waste to discharge directly into Chaffinch Brook instead of flowing through proper sewer systems and treatment works.

How many properties have sewage misconnection issues in South Norwood?

Initially, 16 properties were identified with sewage misconnections, and issues at 14 of them have since been resolved.

Home / Environment / Sewage Blight Won't Halt Beaver Rewilding

Sewage Blight Won't Halt Beaver Rewilding

31 Jan

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Summary

Sewage misconnections discharge waste into Chaffinch Brook.
Beavers are planned for South Norwood Park lake.
14 of 16 misconnected properties have had issues resolved.

Sewage Blight Won't Halt Beaver Rewilding

Croydon Council has confirmed that planned rewilding efforts, including the introduction of Eurasian beavers to South Norwood Country Park, will not be derailed by ongoing sewage pollution. Waste from nearby residences is incorrectly entering Chaffinch Brook due to misconnections, bypassing treatment facilities. The council is actively working to ensure the brook's polluted watercourse remains disconnected from the lake designated for the beavers.

This contamination, identified in mid-2024, originated from properties with incorrect connections to surface water drains instead of foul sewers. Thames Water identified these homes as the most significant source of local water quality issues. While significant progress has been made, with 14 out of 16 affected properties now rectified, the ongoing pollution from the remaining two poses a serious environmental concern.

Despite these challenges, the council, in partnership with urban rewilding charity Citizen Zoo, is moving forward with the beaver introduction. Mayor Jason Perry stated that the species would significantly benefit local wildlife and the borough, underscoring the project's potential to enhance the environment and biodiversity within South Norwood.