Help Shape the Future of the River Roding
Join local schools and young people helping to reimagine the River Roding as a healthier, more active space for everyone.
The River Roding is one of London’s hidden gems – a river with green spaces, paths, and wildlife that many people don’t yet get to enjoy. We believe it has huge potential to be a place where everyone can spend time outdoors, feel healthy, and connect with nature.
Together, we’re working to bring the river to life, making it a more welcoming, fun, and active space for children, young people, and families.
At the heart of this project is community-led innovation. That means local people, including students, parents, and teachers, will help shape ideas, test activities, and make decisions about what happens next along the River Roding.
Get Involved
We’re inviting local schools, students, teachers, and parents to take part in the next stage of this exciting journey. There are two ways to get involved:
1. Join the River Roding Community Panel
We’re inviting local schools, students, teachers, and parents to join the River Roding Community Panel and take part in the River Roding Innovation Workshop.
Tuesday 2nd December 2025
3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
The Boathouse Creative Studios, Barking Riverside
During this interactive session, participants will:
- Explore shortlisted innovations designed to improve health and wellbeing along the river — from play and exercise ideas to creative and nature-based projects.
- Share feedback and vote on which ideas should be tested in real life during early 2026.
- Become part of the River Roding Community Panel, continuing to shape decisions as the project develops.
It’s a fantastic opportunity for young people to see innovation in action, develop real-world problem-solving skills, and help shape a healthier, more connected community.
2. Take Part in Testing Activities
Students and schools can volunteer to test the selected new ideas in real life – from play and movement projects to creative, nature-based activities.
This is a hands-on opportunity for young people to:
- Experience how design and innovation can improve health and happiness.
- Contribute to a healthier, more connected local community.
- Develop skills in teamwork, creativity, and civic engagement.
Who’s Involved
The River Roding Health Corridor is a partnership between Care City, Connected Places Catapult, Makower Architects, ARUP, Be First and local community organisations.
Together, we’re working to make the River Roding a place where people, communities, and nature thrive together, creating spaces that promote walking, play, creativity, social connection, and health for everyone.
Interested in Taking Part?
- Register your school’s interest in joining the community panel or testing activities.
- Share the event poster with students, parents, and staff.
- Or simply email us to find out more.
We’d love to see your school represented at the workshop and on the panel, helping to shape a healthier, more connected Barking & Dagenham.
