Money from the proceeds of the luxury housing development was used to leverage further funding in order to
provide a significant capital budget. This allowed the stark concrete water reservoirs to be transformed into
an oasis for wildlife. Within thirteen years, the site has received national designation as a Site of Special
Scientific Interest (SSSI) for breeding and wintering birds; water vole (Arvicola amphibius) (the UK’s fastest
declining mammal) have moved in; and the houses surrounding the wetland have risen a staggering 500% in
value; in addition to the 225,000 visitors per year enjoying wetland nature in the heart of one of the world’s
busiest capital cities.