10 new public realm interventions are located along two new green routes: the Hornbeam Link and Lime Link, creating special moments along each journey. Projects include raised table carriageway crossings, enhanced communal green spaces, gateway schemes connecting the Wanstead Flats, new street trees and series of rainwater gardens. Inspired by the diversity of tree and plant species found locally in Bush Wood, the rainwater gardens are conceived as mini-woodland environments providing habitats for local wildlife while improving air quality and boosting carbon storage. The gardens are cared for and maintained by a local residents’ groups.

The routes are sign-posted through ‘breadcrumb’ wayfinding. Bollards, new street furniture and street utility cabinets have been adapted to include maps of the area, route graphics, information and illustrations that talk about the local landscape’s biodiversity and facts about air pollution.

The project was delivered in two stages: an initial scoping exercise identifying over 20 potential public realm interventions for the Bushwood neighbourhood (35 hectares), followed by the detailed design of projects along the two identified routes. The scheme has since received additional funding from the GLA to deliver an additional gateway scheme at Davies Lane Primary School.