Hidden waterways beneath three Royal Parks to be uncovered in major archaeology project

Fahad Redha

July 28, 2026
2 min read

Hidden waterways beneath three Royal Parks to be uncovered in major archaeology project

A new archaeology project, the Lost Waterways of the Royal Parks, is set to investigate a network of forgotten underground waterways beneath three of London’s Royal Parks, with researchers aiming to uncover centuries of hidden history while supporting future conservation work.

The Royal Parks charity has launched the Lost Waterways of the Royal Parks, a three-year programme focusing on Richmond Park, Bushy Park, and Greenwich Park. Backed by funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, alongside support from the Friends groups linked to each park, the project will examine historic water infrastructure that has remained largely out of public view.

Archaeologist Andrew Mayfield has been appointed to lead the initiative, overseeing historical research, archaeological investigations and community engagement throughout the project. The work will explore underground conduits, reservoirs, wells and tunnels that once supplied water to royal residences, including the former Richmond Palace and the Palace of Greenwich. The findings are expected to shed light on an overlooked part of London’s royal and engineering heritage.

The research is also intended to support the long-term management of the parks. By improving understanding of historic water systems beneath the landscape, The Royal Parks hopes the information will help protect natural habitats and inform future conservation decisions as climate change places increasing pressure on green spaces.

Alongside archaeological investigations, the project will include a programme of public activities designed to involve local communities. Schools, volunteers, and visitors will be invited to take part in guided walks, community excavations, educational events, and digital experiences that reveal the hidden history beneath the parks.

The first stage of the Lost Waterways project will begin in Richmond Park before expanding to Bushy Park and Greenwich Park. It is scheduled to continue until 2029.

To mark the launch, a free guided walk will take place in Richmond Park on Saturday 1 August at 2pm as part of the Council for British Archaeology’s Festival of Archaeology 2026. Led by Andrew Mayfield, the event will explore how archaeology and nature have shaped the park’s landscape over hundreds of years while introducing visitors to the newly launched research programme.

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About Author

Fahad Redha

Fahad is the Content Editor at EyeOnLondon, overseeing the publication’s editorial output across news, culture, and lifestyle. With a background in journalism from the University of the Creative Arts, he brings a broad range of experience from local London reporting in Kensington & Chelsea, where he held roles including motoring, events, and health editor. At EyeOnLondon, Fahad plays a central role in shaping content and maintaining editorial standards. His work spans everything from daily news to feature coverage, with a particular strength in motoring and events. He also incorporates photography into his reporting, adding a visual layer to many of his stories. Fahad joined EyeOnLondon in February 2021.