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Thames Landscape Strategy Annual Meeting December 2023
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On the 11 December, the Thames Landscape Strategy’s (TLS) Annual Meeting was hosted at the Royal Mid Surrey Golf Course. The event provided the opportunity for more than 100 TLS partners and friends to enjoy a series of inspirational talks regarding its year and future.
The presentations demonstrated how global factors causing climate change have already started to increase flood risk altering ecosystems along the Thames. Regional strategic flood risk policy was discussed and measures to implement this at a local level introduced. Ways that the work of the TLS can deliver strategic goals through its work on the ground, community volunteer action and the emerging Joint Thames Strategy Refresh were introduced. The evening concluded with a presentation looking at how climate change is impacting the Freshwater Tidal Zone, bringing the presentations full circle by demonstrating how nationally significant environments can be created by creating local floodplain resilience in the upper Tideway.
The Joint Thames Strategy (JTS) is a collaborative project between the three Thames Strategies (Thames Landscape Strategy, Thames Strategy Kew to Chelsea, and Thames Estuary Partnership), funded by the Regional Flood and Coastal Committee, sponsored by the Environment Agency (EA). The London Borough of Richmond acts as project host. The JTS will update and align the content of the existing three Thames Strategies whilst launching a new strategy for central London. The aim of the project is to set out how TE2100’s strategic guidance can be incorporated into local policy and ultimately delivered on the ground. In this way, cross-cutting themes can be incorporated into an all-encompassing plan for the Thames from Weybridge to the Sea whilst determining how local character and multiple benefits can be conserved and maximised in each of the three strategy areas.
TLS Chair Cllr Neden-Watts opened the event. Amanda MacLean, (EA TE2100) followed, setting out how flood risk is increasing, introducing the way that TE2100 intends to manage this risk, establishing that measures will need to be delivered in collaboration. Amanda emphasised the need for riparian boroughs to produce a Riverside Strategy noting that his could be delivered by the Joint Thames Strategies process. Tim Munday (City of London) spoke next, demonstrating how the City had already written a Riverside Strategy. Tim highlighted the benefits of the process, suggesting that the opportunity offered through the JTS process was exciting in that it could look both locally and strategically, with a variety of stakeholders.
The talks continued exploring how the JTS would be used to update the Thames Landscape Strategy between Weybridge and Kew. The ways that the TLS has been used to deliver action of the ground were demonstrated particularly through the Rewilding Arcadia project. Since September 2020, 21,340 volunteer hours have been delivered and 2987 local people engaged.
Steve Colclough (IFM) closed the event with a fascinating talk exploring how the nationally important Thames Freshwater Tidal Zone is being altered by climate change but through the TLS could see floodplain restoration that would benefit a range of aquatic species. Steve’s inspirational talk showed how local measures could help to secure the future of this habitat that would have international benefits to species such as the sturgeon.
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#IESTurningTheTide - Tides of Change: Exploring the Resilience and Restoration of the Thames Estuary
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At the end of November, we successfully delivered a lunch-time webinar titled Exploring the Resilience and Restoration of the Thames Estuary.
This webinar is now available to view below:
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During the webinar, we also ran a poll asking "What's the first word that comes to mind when you hear the word: Thames?" The Word Cloud below showcases the responses received.
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The results are in and out of the six podcast episodes released this year, the top episode was Paddleboarding London: An Immersive Journey along the Thames.
In addition, we also gained many more new listeners this year. Of course, this would not have been possible without you; so we thank you all for the continued support of our podcast series!
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Talk of the Thames Podcast
A Conversation with Steve Colclough - Guardian of the Thames Estuary (Part Two)
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Welcome back to the second part of our captivating journey beneath the surface of the Thames Estuary. In this episode, we're joined by a true guardian of these waters: Steve Colclough, Fisheries Scientist and Chair of the Estuarine & Marine Specialist Section at the Institute of Fisheries Management (IFM). We've moved our discussion from the riverbank to the riverside at Battersea Reach, where Steve provides invaluable insights into the world of marine and freshwater fisheries, as well as his extensive experience in protecting this unique ecosystem.
We pose a series of thought-provoking questions to Steve, exploring his remarkable 40-year long career and his passion for preserving the biodiversity of the Thames Estuary. We uncover the challenges he has faced while conducting fish surveys, his innovative solutions and his ability to collaborate with a diverse array of stakeholders.
From memorable discoveries to the environmental threats that fish populations face, we dive deep into the intricacies of the estuarine ecosystem. Steve shares his wisdom on sustainable fisheries management practices and the ever-evolving trends he has observed over the years.
As the conversation unfolds, we also touch on the special concerns and conservation interests associated with particular fish species and habitats in the Thames Estuary.
For those who harbour dreams of a career in marine and freshwater fisheries or environmental consultancy, Steve imparts his seasoned advice. As always, we conclude with a profound take-home message from our esteemed guest.
So, join us at the tranquil Riverside at Battersea Reach as we learn from the river's guardian: Steve Colclough, and continue our exploration of the hidden world beneath the tides of the Thames Estuary.
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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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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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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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TEP's Data & Training Manager Wanda Bodnar is working on the Roadmap to Climate Resilience and the Estuary Edges projects. If you'd like to get in touch with Wanda, you can email her at w.bodnar@ucl.ac.uk.
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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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Clean Thames Strategy Consultation November 2023
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One of the ambitions at the heart of the Thames Vision 2050; the shared stakeholders’ view of how the river will develop between now and 2050, is to see a clean river free from sewage, waste and other pollution. Reducing litter in the river has been identified as an essential part of achieving this goal. Prior to the development of the Thames Vision, there was already encouraging work being undertaken by organisations throughout the Thames to combat litter. These include regular community clean-ups and public awareness campaigns, such as the PLA’s Cleaner Thames campaign in 2015.
Created by the PLA in 2014 with support from the Thames Estuary Partnership, the Thames Litter Forum is a group of non-governmental organisations, university researchers, river operators, businesses, industry bodies and other relevant authorities that meet quarterly to tackle the problem of litter in the Thames. The focus of the forum is on protecting flora and fauna, developing a Thames-specific network and setting up an evidence group facilitating foreshore and water column research.
Tackling the issue of litter requires holistic action from the many organisations and networks involved in, and already striving to reduce the Thames litter problem. In 2018, the Thames Litter Strategy was developed by the PLA, as part of the Thames Vision, in consultation with organisations that are part of the Thames Litter Forum. The Strategy set out the context for future action on litter in the Thames environment and outlined the types of actions that the Thames Litter Forum will work towards over the following five years until 2023.
Following the launch of our Clean Thames Manifesto in June 2023, the PLA are updating the Strategy to tackle all forms of pollution that impact water quality in the tidal Thames. In July 2023, we hosted a workshop with a variety of key partners to understand their previous work on this issue, their priorities for improving water quality in the river and upcoming work to 2030. We have pulled together this information into our new Clean Thames Strategy and would like your input to shape the strategy to achieve our shared vision of a clean, healthy Thames.
The consultation closes on Monday 18 December.
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As part of the Port of London Authority’s implementation of the Thames Vision 2050 plan, one of the key actions was the production of a river masterplan, matching Vision actions and goals to wider planning and other policy guidance. The Tidal Thames Masterplan, delivers on this action to help realise growth opportunities along the Thames, and integrate the river into the economy and lives of communities.
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Life on the Thames
Written and illustrated by Emma Shoard
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A gorgeously illustrated journey along one of Britain's most well-known rivers. The Thames sustains a staggering number of birds, mammals and other creatures. Learn about them in-depth as you progress from the source of the river to its estuary. A gift that any young wildlife fan would treasure!
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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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The high levels of toxic ‘forever chemicals’ in our fish could be harming us
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A chemical that takes thousands of years to break down is found in England's freshwater fish at 1,000 times above safe levels – and could end up on our dinner tables.
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Planning for London stakeholder events
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Throughout 2023 the GLA is holding events so people can share their views about London, how to tackle its challenges and what a future London Plan might include.
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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 year's 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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Introduction to the Thames Estuary
May, Online
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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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2nd UK International Eel Science Symposium
9th – 11th July 2024
Adelphi Hotel, Liverpool
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The symposium follows on from the very successful 1st symposium which was held in 2017 at ZSL London Zoo, as well as the European Eel Conference held at Fishmongers Hall in London in 2013 and the Fish Impingement and Entrainment Conference held in Liverpool in 2023.
The Symposium aims to provide a global forum for scientists and researchers to present the latest data, initiatives, and new and developing techniques on the biology and management of anguillid eels across multiple spatial scales in a changing world. It will foster and develop international links between key academic, policy, industrial and other stakeholders to promote better understanding of the issues, parallels and conservation opportunities for these iconic species.
The symposium will bring together 150+ speakers and delegates from around the world for three days of presentations, posters and panel sessions as well as a number of networking events including an evening reception on the River Mersey and a poster/networking event at the Western Approaches.
The symposium is an in-person event and there will be no online talks or virtual access.
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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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