Residents, families and community groups gathered at the OSO Arts Centre in Barnes on 20 June as the latest Community BlueScapes Fair celebrated local efforts to tackle flooding and improve climate resilience across the borough.

The free event marked the final year of the Community BlueScapes programme and brought together local residents, environmental organisations and key partners working on flood resilience projects across the Beverley Brook catchment.

Visitors had the chance to learn more about climate adaptation projects happening locally, meet organisations involved in environmental work across Richmond and take part in activities designed to make flood resilience more accessible for people of all ages.

Richmond Council said the event built on the success of both the 2025 Flood Resilience Fair and the 2024 Climate and Nature Fair, continuing efforts to engage residents in protecting the borough from future climate challenges.

Councillor Julia Neden-Watts, Chair of Richmond Council's Environment, Sustainability, Culture and Sports Committee, said: "Flood resilience is an issue rising up the agenda across London's river and floodplain communities and is particularly prevalent in Richmond, the only London borough spanning both sides of the River Thames.

"The Community BlueScapes Fair brought people together to celebrate the inspiring and innovative work that has already been delivered across the Beverley Brook catchment and to learn more about how we can all play a part in building a more climate-resilient borough.

"Residents and families had the chance to explore practical ideas, speak to knowledgeable partners, and enjoy activities that made flood resilience and climate adaptation accessible and engaging."

The Community BlueScapes programme has focused on improving flood resilience while enhancing biodiversity and community engagement throughout the Beverley Brook catchment area.

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Mike Hildesley, Community BlueScapes board member and Chair of Barnes Common Limited, said the event highlighted the strength of local partnerships built through the programme.

He said: "The fair reflected the spirit of Community BlueScapes by bringing together local people, partners, and practical action in one place.

"It was wonderful to see so many residents taking an interest in flood resilience, climate adaptation and the work being delivered across the catchment.

"The programme has built strong local partnerships and a real sense of shared purpose, and that will continue to make a difference well beyond this final year."

Community BlueScapes is funded through DEFRA's Flood and Coastal Resilience Innovation Programme and managed by the Environment Agency.

The initiative is a partnership between Richmond Council, WWT – the charity for wetlands and wildlife, and Barnes Common Limited.

Since launching, the programme has supported a number of local projects aimed at improving flood resilience, protecting wildlife habitats and helping communities better prepare for future environmental challenges.

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