We hope that you are staying safe and well.
In this newsletter, we are pleased to share a selection of highlights, TEP project updates and recent activities, events and updates from our partners, members and supporters.
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Estuary Edges Fauna Survey
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Photo: Common bream at Point Wharf, Greenwich.
Our ongoing Estuary Edges fauna survey is finalised for this year. In 2023, we were able to survey four sites: Barking Creek Set Back (western side), Battersea Reach Terracing, Greenwich Millennium Terraces (North East) and Point Wharf, Greenwich.
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Photo: Graph showing the relative abundance of species found in 2023.
We are now in the process of writing up a report summarising the findings from the last seven years (2017 - 2023). This will be available early next year, 2024. In the meantime, we are also gearing up for the surveys planned for next year.
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Photo: Graphs showing length frequencies of European seabass and common goby (the grey area indicates 0 - year group sizes).
A noteworthy observation is that, based on all data collected, these sites are well utilised by juvenile European seabass and common goby.
These findings underscore the ecological significance of Estuary Edges and their importance in the overall health of our estuarine ecosystem.
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TEP's Data & Training Manager Wanda Bodnar has been helping with the Estuary Edges project. If you'd like to get in touch with Wanda, you can email her at w.bodnar@ucl.ac.uk.
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Estuary Edges continues to develop in partnership with the Environment Agency and the Port of London Authority. Listen to the Estuary Edges podcast on our fish surveys and watch our webinars introducing the project and exploring the technical guidance.
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Telling the Tidal Thames’s Story to the World
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A sequel to our award-winning documentary The Living Thames is in the works.
The Historic Thames charts the estuary’s evolution and influences, from the last Ice Age to the present day. The Thames Estuary Partnership’s president, Chris Baines, resumes his role as presenter.
Chris’ travels will show just how much the Thames has been constantly changing. The evidence is everywhere, from the eerie remains of submerged forests and Bronze Age structures to the great historic palaces and fortifications of a bygone age, and from the relics of past industries to futuristic riverside developments. The film will portray the Thames as a unique ribbon through time, deserving care and celebration.
The Historic Thames will be an educational resource, helping to build knowledge and broaden horizons. It will be part of a Thames-based pack for schools across London produced by the Thames Estuary Partnership. We will welcome all opportunities to screen it to grassroots groups, stakeholder organisations, opinion-leaders, companies, families and children. We expect it to be widely screened in conferences and at festivals such as TideFest and Summer by the River. This is a model that is working very well with The Living Thames and has already led to astonishing success for our first film across four continents.
These film documentaries are not-for-profit productions funded by voluntary contributions. Thanks to generous supporters, including City Cruises, Hermitage River Projects, the Fishmongers’ Company and many individual donors, we have already succeeded in shooting more than half of the new film. Our stellar contributors, such as Jane Sidell, Inspector of Ancient Monuments at Historic England, historian Pieter van der Merwe and writer and broadcaster Mike Phillips, are building a fascinating, multi-layered story which we can’t wait to share with you and bring to the silver screen.
Please help us by donating towards production costs. With your support and encouragement, we can carry on shooting in the spring and complete the film in 2024.
For more details and to make a donation, please visit our Community Interest Company website at aquaeyemedia.org.uk. We will thank everyone with updates on progress, on-screen acknowledgements of supporters and invitations to the premiere.
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Talk of the Thames Podcast
Exploring the Hidden World Beneath the Thames Estuary (Part One)
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Welcome to the first part of our exhilarating journey, as we delve into the thriving underwater world beneath the Thames Estuary. Our adventure begins at Battersea Reach, just east of the River Wandle's mouth, where TEP's Data and Training Manager Wanda Bodnar guides us through the essential work being carried out in this unique estuarine environment.
We start by uncovering the significance of Estuary Edges, an innovative approach to enhance biodiversity along the edges of the estuary. These man-made vegetated intertidal habitats act as crucial ecosystems for fish and other wildlife, rejuvenating the estuarine edges and promoting a healthier environment.
But why are these sites so important, you ask? Wanda delves into the historical transformations that the Thames Estuary has undergone over the past 2,000 years, leading to the loss of vital habitats. These habitats, like saltmarshes, seagrass areas and reedbeds, have a far-reaching impact, not just on the wildlife but also on our daily lives. They reduce flood risk, act as carbon sinks and provide crucial nursery and spawning grounds for fish. In a world where the sea levels are rising, they play an indispensable role in safeguarding the environment.
The aquatic life in the Thames Estuary is as diverse as it is fascinating. From the freshwater zone upstream from Battersea, to the brackish waters downstream to Greenwich and the predominantly salty waters beyond, the fish species are ever-changing, depending on weather, season and tidal cycles. In 2017, the last survey at this site revealed the presence of European seabass, common goby and the critically endangered European eel. These species contribute to the intricate web of life within the estuary and with our seine nets - the Estuary Edges survey yielded a total of 54 fish, comprising of eight different species, including zander, goby, seabass, dace and bream. Additionally, a single European eel was caught during the fyke net operation.
Steve Colclough, a fisheries expert, provides insights into the fish surveys and the equipment used. It doesn't stop at catching fish, Steve takes us through the identification process and explains the importance of the data collected. This valuable information is shared with partner organisations, including the Port of London Authority, the Environment Agency and the Institute of Fisheries Management. The data helps demonstrate the ecological benefits of these habitats, underlining the significance of the Estuary Edges.
But the Thames Estuary is not just about fish; it's a bustling hub of wildlife. Over 300 species of invertebrates, 96 species of birds, three species of mammals and even sharks call this estuary home. It's a testament to the richness of this ecosystem, with species like the tope, starry smooth-hound and spurdog patrolling the outer estuary.
So, join us on this exploration of the hidden wonders of the Thames Estuary, where every dive into its waters reveals something extraordinary and where the ongoing efforts of dedicated individuals like Wanda and Steve are helping us better understand and protect this remarkable environment.
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All our podcasts are available on a range of streaming platforms - just search 'Talk of the Thames' on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or your preferred podcast platform. You can also find them on our YouTube channel.
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Chloe Russell leads the production of our Talk of the Thames podcasts. If you'd like to get in touch with Chloe, you can email her at chloe.russell@ucl.ac.uk.
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Talk of the Thames Virtual Tour
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Our Tidal Thames StoryMap now has 50 locations to visit along the Thames. We are also delighted that the StoryMap has had over 5000 visitors since June 2020, from over 100 countries. Our virtual tour was created using ArcGIS StoryMaps and has been featured in the selection of ESRI's Editors Picks. Check out our virtual journey along the Thames below.
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Coastal Partnerships' Network
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The Coastal Partnerships’ Network (CPN) is a network of 57 Coastal and Estuary Partnerships and over 30 wider coastal initiatives around the UK coast. As most of you will know, TEP's Technical Director, Amy Pryor, is the chair of the network.
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The CPN exists to encourage the exchange of information and debate between Coastal and Estuary Partnerships and to establish links with other coastal stakeholders. It seeks to offer increased opportunities for learning, collaboration, and influence, strengthening and supporting Coastal and Estuary Partnerships and encouraging stronger representation of the value of their work.
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Championing Coastal Coordination (3Cs)
The 2023/24 phase of our 3Cs work is now underway! Back in March 2022, we submitted our National Framework for Coastal Coordination to Defra as part of our pilot Championing Coastal Coordination (3Cs) project. We were given funding for Phase 1 (2022/23) and submitted a proposal for this current round of Phase 2 funding back in March this year - we are delighted to have been successful again.
During this phase, we will be continuing to establish the National Framework for Coastal Coordination (NFCC) and work across the various work strands including the Coastal Communications Hub, CPN Learning & Development Programme and Monitoring & Evaluation Framework - with a focus upon coastal habitat restoration. More updates will follow in the months to come.
The final report for our last phase of work can be found on the CPN website. If you are interested in any aspect of this evolving work, please get in touch with us to find out more.
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Alice Watts is the CPN Learning & Development Manager, and works across the various national coastal project strands. If you'd like to get in touch with Alice, you can email her at alice.watts.16@ucl.ac.uk.
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Articles, Podcasts and Films
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A Heartfelt Love Letter to London and the River Thames
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‘I Would Rather Look at You’ by Tife Kusoro
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London’s Super Sewer is 90% Complete
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Photo: Workers putting the final touches on the Thames Tideway Tunnel in London on Sept. 6. The project has been under construction for eight years. Photographer: Jose Sarmento/Bloomberg.
The £4.5 billion Tideway Tunnel project in London is now approximately 90% complete, aiming to address sewage overflows and improve the Thames River's water quality for the capital. This ambitious undertaking consists of 25km of concrete tunnels designed to redirect raw sewage and runoff to treatment plants during heavy rainfall, preventing the discharge of untreated sewage into the river. While the project is on track to be completed by next summer, its cost has exceeded initial estimates by about £1 billion. Tideway's completion is expected to significantly enhance water quality in the region, as it will help reduce sewage discharges into the river. However, it is noted that further efforts are needed to invest in sustainable drainage solutions to capture rainwater before it enters the sewerage system, especially in the face of climate change challenges.
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Treated and Untreated Sewage Greatest Threat to River Biodiversity
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Photo: Discoloured liquid being discharged into the River Thames. Photograph: Carl Court/Getty Images.
A University of Oxford study reveals that sewage pollution, both treated and untreated, poses the most significant threat to river biodiversity, surpassing farm runoff as a concern. The study emphasises the necessity for stricter regulation of water companies and improvements in wastewater treatment facilities to safeguard rivers. Treated sewage released by water companies and raw effluent from storm overflows are the primary culprits behind increased nutrients, algae and sewage fungus in rivers, leading to adverse changes in plant, animal and microbe communities. The research underscores the urgent need for comprehensive action to address sewage discharge's disproportionate impact on river quality.
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What Types of Nature-Based Solutions Are There?
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The EU nature-based solutions Cluster Task Force on communications has produced a new animated video that concisely explains different types of nature-based solutions.
The video is the third in a series of short animated videos. The other videos introduce the concept of nature-based solutions and explore the co-creation of nature-based solutions.
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#IESTurningTheTide - Tides of Change: Exploring the Resilience and Restoration of the Thames Estuary
29th November, Lunchtime webinar
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This webinar will provide an overview of the natural history and ecology of the Thames Estuary in the last 200 years, summarising the reasons for its decline and recovery in the past, its current state and the future challenges in the face of the climate emergency.
Presented by Wanda Bodnar and Amy Pryor from the Thames Estuary Partnership, the webinar will also highlight that by investing into the restoration of an urban estuary, it can become a healthy and thriving environment with diverse aquatic habitats and species. A Q&A session with the audience will follow the speakers' presentations.
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Introduction to the Thames Estuary
November & January, London
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Explore the Thames Estuary's rich history, current state and future in this three-part course. Dive into its physical and biological aspects, uncover its historical significance and address environmental challenges. Learn about governance and safety measures, plus initiatives like TE2100 and the Tideway Tunnel project. Earn an IES-endorsed certificate upon completion.
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A Short Introduction to the Thames Estuary by Wanda Bodnar
11th January, Online
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This talk will provide a short overview of the ecology and natural history of the Thames. It will also highlight that by investing in the recovery of an urban river, it can become a healthy and thriving environment with diverse aquatic habitats and species.
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Coastal Futures Conference 2024
January 24th - 25th 2024, Royal Institution, London and online
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The Coastal Futures conference 2024 will provide the most comprehensive annual review, briefing and pointer to future trends for coastal and marine practitioners. The theme of this 31st conference is the need for inclusivity in coastal and marine management.
The conference will include six sessions across two days at the historic Royal Institution – home of scientific discovery and the world-famous Christmas lectures – with an interactive livestream to an online audience. Leading organisations across government, industry, consultancy, academia, NGOs and the voluntary sector will be presenting alongside a strong line-up of influential keynote and sector leads to support this years’ inclusivity theme.
As part of its commitment to encouraging and supporting diversity, equity and inclusion, Ocean & Coastal Futures (OCF) is launching its first Coastal Futures Bursary in partnership with the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation.
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Our Top Scientific Publication Picks
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Our Top Reads
View our favourite archive of Thames related books here on our website.
Monthly Suggestions
- Rivers of London - A Series - Ben Aaronovitch - The series blends elements of urban fantasy, mystery, and police procedural genres. It is set in a contemporary London where magic and the supernatural are real, and Peter Grant becomes involved in the magical underworld of the city while investigating various supernatural crimes.
- Birdgirl - Mya-Rose Craig - The environmentalist and diversity activist known as Birdgirl delivers a mindful, reflective and uplifting account of a life devoted to avian observation and how her passion has enabled her to cope with challenging life situations and unexpected trauma.
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Our Top Film Picks
- River - An Epic Documentary (2022). Directed by Robert McFarlane and narrated by William Dafoe, this new film takes its audience on an epic journey through six continents, showing the world's greatest rivers as they have never been seen before. Dream-like and powerful, with a haunting soundtrack, the film pays tribute to the wildness of rivers while recognising their vulnerability.
- 'On The Edge' Short Documentary and Creators Q&A (2022). Beaver Trust’s new documentary, 'On The Edge', seeks to catalyse action on buffers, exploring the vision and challenges of restoring river buffer zones, walking with experts to better understand the opportunity and risk.
- Talks on Water - TED Talks. Dive into these talks about water and humanity’s relationship with this life-sustaining liquid.
- SOLENT: The Oyster's Return - Blue Marine Foundation (2022). Blue Marine Foundation and partners are reintroducing the once-abundant native oyster to the Solent, a busy waterway in Southern England. It's a big job, involving some clever science, some serious logistics and an army of volunteers.
- Watch AURORA perform with Hans Zimmer at Earth Prom 2022
- Thames Vision 2050: This River
- 'Under The Surface' (2022). A group of environmentalists and storytellers set sail off the south west coast of England to discover the challenges facing our marine environment. Through their shared experiences we investigate the dangers of micro plastics in our oceans and positively encourage the audience to take small steps to help change our future.
- The Great Stink (2023). Channel 5 History Documentary about how a heatwave caused sewage in the Thames to fester fouly - until the sewer system was introduced.
- London's Lost Village: Michael Faraday and Trinity Buoy Wharf. Did you know that the first ever practical use for power was developed in East London? Professor Frank James explains how. Scientist Michael Faraday spent three decades as scientific advisor for the Corporation of Trinity House – the authority for lighthouses in England and Wales – during the mid-nineteenth century. It was at their depot at Trinity Buoy Wharf that he carried out pioneering tests on the electrification of lighthouses and on the use of Fresnel lenses, the former the first time that power had been used for a practical purpose.
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Our Top Audio Picks
- 'Fisheries in Focus' Podcast - A podcast from the IFM - "Our aim with the podcast is to provide fishery owners and managers with useful information that will help them maintain a thriving and sustainable fishery in a lighthearted and easy to digest format."
- 'ZSL Wild Science' Podcast - A podcast from ZSL - "Delve into topical issues in zoology, conservation and the environment, from saving species and protecting the planet, to finding out about the animals living across the globe, including in London’s own river Thames."
- 'Into The Wild' Podcast - A weekly podcast series dedicated to wildlife and nature where host Ryan Dalton chats to experts in the field of natural science. Also featuring a monthly side series about plants, trees & fungi called into The Foliage with co-host Janet Garner.
- The Stream (with Will and Tom) - An unscripted conversation with guests who reject the status quo with a bias for action, in the world of water and beyond. Co-hosted by Will Sarni and Tom Freyberg.
- In Our Time - The Great Stink - BBC Sounds - Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the stench from the River Thames in the hot summer of 1858 and how it appalled and terrified Londoners living and working beside it, including those in the new Houses of Parliament which were still under construction.
- The Nature of Cities Podcast: This podcast explores the relationship between nature and cities, including issues related to urban wildlife and green spaces. They have several episodes that focus on London and its ecosystems, including the Thames and its estuary.
- The Eco Enthusiast - A podcast where we explore the lives of everyday people making a difference in the environmental movement. From busy parents to community leaders we chat with a diverse group of individuals who are using their skills and passions to create positive eco-change in their communities and beyond.
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If you have an update, upcoming event or news to share about the Thames, please do get in touch: tep@thamesestuarypartnership.org
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