Tower of London moat to be revitalised with ponds and gardens
Plans approved by Tower Hamlets Council will see water return to the historic moat for the first time since the 1840s.
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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.
Questions this report answers
+What will the new moat look like?
The moat will feature ponds, rain gardens, a meadow, and a war memorial. Three sides will remain open to the public with pathways, seating, and wetlands designed to enhance biodiversity and visitor experience.
+How will the moat be watered?
Water will be collected from a 19th-century culvert to replenish wetlands during dry periods. The west moat will use historic spouts from the revetment wall to irrigate rain gardens, ensuring sustainability even in drought conditions.
+Who approved the plans and why?
Tower Hamlets Council approved the plans, citing substantial environmental benefits and public advantages. Officers described the project as innovative, delivering biodiversity, climate resilience, and enhanced visitor experience without harming the Tower’s heritage status.
+What historical elements will be included?
The redevelopment will include a war memorial with sculptures commemorating the First and Second World Wars, a nature learning pond for school visits, and a gathering space near the former North Bastion Tower, damaged in the Second World War.
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