Geology and
Topography

Geology

Ebbsfleet Garden City is located within two distinct geological zones: the Greater Thames Estuary alluvial clay and the North Kent Plains chalk. Over time the land has been formed by water (e.g. process of erosion and deposition) and human interaction (e.g. the chalk quarries). In a number of places, the chalk bedrock has been exposed and forms a distinctive characteristic of the existing landscape. Additionally, the soil properties and underlying geology are known to effect the infiltration levels of surface water and will have an impact on sustainable urban drainage systems (SuDS).

Geology and Topography

Topography

Ebbsfleet Garden City’s topography is characterised by the Ebbsfleet River Valley, the low lying areas along the Thames River bank, and the area’s history of quarry activities. These distinctive topographic features have shaped the Garden City’s hydrology and need to be studied in relationship to proposed sustainable urban drainage systems and planting strategies. Additionally the site’s topography provides opportunities for distinctive viewing points (e.g. from the former landfill in Ebbsfleet Central) and it will need to be used to identify appropriate infrastructural connection points across the Garden City.

National Character Areas

Ebbsfleet Garden City is located within two distinct national landscape character areas: The Greater Thames Estuary and the North Kent Plains. The Greater Thames Estuary is characterised by a remote and tranquil landscape of shallow creeks, drowned estuaries, low lying islands, mudflats and broad tracts of tidal salt marsh. The North Kent Plains is located within the inland areas and is generally characterised by productive agricultural areas with high-quality, fertile loam soils. The fertile soils have contributed to the site’s agricultural heritage of orchards, hops, and water crest beds that have helped it to contribute to Kent’s moniker as the ‘Garden of England.’

Greater Thames Estuary

• Flat, low lying coastal landscape

• Wide open views of Thames Estuary and sky

• Views of industry and shipping

• Feels remote, tranquil wilderness

North Kent Plains

• Undulating chalk above sea level

• Excavated by chalk quarrying

• Now characterised by enclosed views with inward focus on chalk cliffs and lakes

• Mix of secluded and tranquil areas and busy transport routes

Hydrology and Water

Water is a strong and distinctive feature across Ebbsfleet Garden City and takes a variety of forms in the landscape. The most prominent water feature is the River Thames. The River Thames connects the Garden City to the sea, the city of London, and other prominent inland settlements. The River Thames and its estuary is also a defining characteristic of Swanscombe peninsula - due to its flat and low lying landform, the river’s water fluctuation, and the open views of the Thames. Another key hydrological element in the Garden City is Ebbsfleet River. While the river currently remains largely hidden, it is the defining hydrological feature of Ebbsfleet Valley and the development of Ebbsfleet Garden City will dramatically impact the quality and amount of surface water running into the river. Other hydrological focal points include the lakes created by quarrying and later restoration work. Blue Lake and Castle Hill Lake are already major assets for Ebbsfleet Garden City, and a planned third lake in Eastern Quarry will add further to the recreational value of the landscape. Collectively, Ebbsfleet River and the inland lakes form a strong basis for connecting the Garden City’s public realm.

Landscape Features

The natural landscape, hydrology, and industrial heritage combine to create a series of distinctive landscape features that should be used to establish a unique sense of place in Ebbsfleet Garden City.

A number of prominent landscape features are located along the River Thames. The prominent features include the mudflats (1) and marshes (7) on the Swanscombe Peninsula and the former harbour (5) and the existing embankment in Northfleet (6). The mudflats and marshes are valuable ecological landscapes and their natural beauty and dynamic relationship with water create recreational opportunities for current and future residents. Additionally, the Northfleet Harbour and Embankment create a recreational opportunity and is recognised as a future riverside promenade in the Ebbsfleet Implementation Framework.

Additional inland landscape features include Craylands Gorge (2), the former landfill in Ebbsfleet Central (3), and the exposed chalk cliffs that run throughout the Garden City (4). The former landfill provides a unique point of outlook over the River Thames and Ebbsfleet Valley and the exposed chalk cliffs provide an iconic backdrop for the development of the Garden City.