Some of London's lost and neglected rivers are set to be reclaimed and restored following the launch of a new action plan designed to rejuvenate 15km (9.3 miles) of the city's waterways.

Despite improving water quality in the River Thames, a number of its tributaries are still confined to concrete channels, and the London Rivers Action Plan (LRAP) will set out to return these waterways to their natural state. It is hoped that the restoration of the rivers, including the Colne, Roding and Wandle, will create a better place for wildlife and people, while also reducing the risk of flooding and ensuring London becomes a more sustainable city.

Work to restore one of London's waterways has already been completed in Greenwich in 2007. A section of the River Quaggy has been brought out of its underground culvert and now flows into a Sutcliffe Park, creating wetlands with cycleways, footpaths and open space. The Greater London Authority has worked in partnership with a number of environmental organisations to develop the LRAP, including the Environment Agency, Natural England and the Thames Rivers Restoration Trust. London Wildlife Trust and WWF UK have also been involved.

Isabel Dedring, director of environmental policy for the Mayor of London, said: "This plan will deliver aesthetic benefits but will also help us prepare for our changing climate. Restoring our rivers will play a part in making London a more attractive place for people to come." Dave Webb, project manager for the Environment Agency, added: "We are striving to improve London's most damaged rivers, and we believe we can create important habitats and improve every Londoner's life with new open spaces."