Tower of London moat to be revitalised with ponds and gardens

The moat surrounding the Tower of London is to undergo a significant redevelopment after plans were given the go-ahead by Tower Hamlets Council. The approved proposals will see the introduction of ponds, rain gardens, a meadow, and a war memorial, alongside the return of water for the first time in nearly two centuries, since the 1840s.

Ecological and Historical Aims

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Developed by Historic Royal Palaces, the redevelopment is intended to create an "ecologically rich moat landscape". The plans aim to reconnect visitors with the Tower’s defensive history while addressing issues of biodiversity loss and water scarcity. The design documents submitted with the application noted lessons learned from the dry summer of 2022, when an emergency backup irrigation tank failed to keep the 'Superbloom' wildflower installation adequately watered. Under the new scheme, water collected from a 19th-century culvert will be used to replenish wetlands during drier periods.

New Features and Public Access

Three sides of the moat will remain accessible to the public, incorporating a mix of ponds, wetlands, meadows, and grassland areas, complete with pathways and seating. The west moat will feature rain gardens, irrigated by historic spouts from the revetment wall. An open meadow offering long views along the moat and a substantial gathering space are planned near the entrance. The northern side will host features commemorating the First and Second World Wars, including a sculpture of a First World War soldier and a Women’s Auxiliary Air Force member. A seating area will be established at the location of the former North Bastion Tower, which was damaged in the Second World War. The east moat will include a nature learning pond for school visits and activity spaces, focusing on the moat's historical role in daily life, food production, and industry within the Tower.

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Council's Assessment

Council planning officers described the plans as a "distinctive and innovative landscape response" that reinforces the setting and appreciation of the Tower of London, while delivering "substantial environmental benefits". They noted the proposal would bring "noticeable changes" to the moat's appearance and visitor experience. While acknowledging "less than substantial harm" to the Tower of London's significance, officers concluded this was outweighed by the "substantial public benefits", including enhanced biodiversity, climate resilience, sustainability, accessibility, heritage interpretation, and visitor experience. They stated the changes would not affect the "key attributes" of the Tower’s outstanding universal value status or its integrity as a world heritage site.