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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Roadmap to Climate Resilience: Enhancing Sustainability in the Greater Thames Estuary
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TEP is proud to introduce the ‘Roadmap to Climate Resilience’ project, an initiative that addresses the need for better coordination across the land and sea interface in the highly populated Greater Thames Estuary region. By evolving our existing GIS platform, the project aims to identify opportunity areas for climate resilience and understand sustainable social and economic development options. The platform will enable integrated riverside planning, strategic habitat enhancement and public engagement for enhanced stewardship. The objective is to create a comprehensive model for investment in habitat creation and ensure a more resilient and sustainable future for the estuary. For more information, visit our website.
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Limited Space Available for 'Introduction to the Thames Estuary'
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Starting on July 12th, our bespoke online course will introduce you to the beauty and importance of the Thames Estuary and explore its captivating past, present and future. It will dive into its biodiversity, history and environmental challenges. Register now for an immersive learning experience led by TEP's Data and Training Manager, Wanda Bodnar. All learners will receive a certificate upon completion of the course.
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TEP's Guided Walk of Greenwich Peninsula
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As part of this September's Totally Thames Festival, come and join us for a guided walk around the Greenwich Peninsula to explore the lesser-known environmental past and present of the Thames.
During the walk, we will discuss the impacts of Ice Ages, how the river and its surrounding area changed as London grew, the deterioration and revival of aquatic life and what the future might hold. The talk will also highlight that investing into the recovery of an urban river can help it to become a healthy and thriving environment with diverse aquatic habitats and species.
Registration for this event will open in July.
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Find Us at the Mudlarking and Heritage Craft Day, July 29th
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Thames Estuary Partnership is excited to participate in the Festival of Archaeology 2023. Join us at the Southwark Cathedral and Churchyard as we talk about the Thames Estuary and our exciting projects with our Learning and Engagement Manager, Yomi Odunlami, and Data and Training Manager, Wanda Bodnar. They will be on hand to answer any questions about the river or TEP's role in enhancing its sustainability. Handouts will also be available to share with your network, friends and family.
This is not one to miss - you will also be able to engage with mudlarks and craftspeople, witness demonstrations, handle ancient artefacts and interact with archaeologists and conservationists. From blacksmithing and beekeeping to dyeing and carving, there will be a range of craft demonstrations to learn from. Families can also enjoy storytelling sessions, face painting and hands-on activities. Don't miss this opportunity to explore our rich heritage and ask questions to the experts.
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Your Invitation to our Boat Trip
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TEP is hosting a boat trip as part of Totally Thames Festival, courtesy of City Experiences. Join us as we set sail from Tower Millennium Pier, venturing downstream for a captivating boat trip that will leave you in awe. On board are three notable speakers, including TEP's Technical Director Amy Pryor, Steve Colclough, Marine & Freshwater Fisheries Expert and Fiona Haughey, Thames Archaeologist. On top of an exciting day cruising on the river, all guests can expect a goody bag. For more information visit the button below.
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Talk of the Thames Podcast
Coming Soon:
'In Conservation with Author and Environmentalist, Dr. Jules Pretty'
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Welcome back to another episode of Talk of the Thames. In this episode, we dive into the captivating world of sustainable living and explore ideas that can improve lives and inspire action with renowned environmentalist and author, Dr. Jules Pretty.
In an era marked by interconnected crises of climate change, inequality, biodiversity loss and food-related health issues, Jules Pretty presents a compelling vision for reversing these challenges. Through a combination of scientific evidence and captivating storytelling, he guides us on a journey towards a sustainable and fulfilling existence.
Join us as we listen to an engaging conversation with Jules Pretty, exploring how to transform our lives and communities, foster a deep connection with nature and take meaningful action to create a more sustainable future. Get ready to be inspired, informed and empowered to embark on your own journey towards a low-carbon life.
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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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Blue Mind and The River Thames:
The Thames Tranquillity Map
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Blue mind is a concept that describes the positive effects that water can have on our mental and emotional well-being. The River Thames is a prime location for accessing these benefits, as it provides numerous opportunities for relaxation, recreation and reflection.
For many people, simply being near the water can be calming and soothing and the River Thames offers ample opportunities for waterfront walks, picnics or bike rides. The tranquil sound of flowing water can also promote relaxation and mindfulness, which can help to reduce stress and anxiety.
In addition, the River Thames provides opportunities for a variety of water-based activities, such as kayaking and paddle boarding. These activities can promote physical activity and a sense of connection with nature, which can boost mood and self-esteem.
The River Thames is home to a diverse range of wildlife, from birds and fish to seals and dolphins. Observing and interacting with these animals can provide a sense of wonder and awe, which can foster a sense of connection to the natural world and promote feelings of gratitude and joy.
Overall, the River Thames is a valuable resource for accessing the benefits of blue mind and provides a much-needed respite from the stress and demands of daily life.
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In July 2022, on World Blue Mind Day, we launched our Thames Tranquillity Map. This map collects the public's favourite spots along the River Thames through a quick survey of where their favourite spot is by the river and what brings them there - whether it's to sit down and relax or to take part in group sport activities.
We are collaborating with Wallace J Nichols, author and founder of 'Blue Mind: The Surprising Science That Shows How Being Near, In, On, or Under Water Can Make You Happier, Healthier, More Connected, and Better at What You Do' to link our collected data to the Blue Mind Movement. It will be used on a digital map for everyone to look at and share, available on our website.
We would love for you take part in our journey - the links below will take you to the survey and the map. Be sure to keep revisiting the map to see if your tranquil spot is also someone else's! (This survey is open to everyone so don't be shy in sharing).
To find out more about what Blue Mind is and how this inspired our Thames Tranquillity Map, you can read our blog post here.
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TEP's Data & Training Manager Wanda Bodnar has been helping with the Blue Connections Project. Wanda also leads the Tranquillity Map 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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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)
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 submitted a proposal for this current round of the EA's 3Cs fund (January - March) and were delighted to be successful. We've now completed this phase, setting up the governance for the National Framework for Coastal Coordination Leadership Group (NFCC LG).
During this time, we kicked off work across the various work strands including the Coastal Communications Hub, CPN Learning & Development Programme and Monitoring & Evaluation Framework. A consultation to gather feedback from Coastal & Estuary Partnerships (CEPs) around capacity building needs and thoughts on the Coastal Communications Hub was held. The feedback will directly shape the design of these elements during the next phase of 3Cs funding, so we can ensure we build the right support for CEPs and other coastal practitioners.
The final report for this phase of work can be found on the CPN website. We hope to be successful in securing further funding to advance the next phase of work.
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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Marine CoLABoration Compass Course
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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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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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Thames Water Updates Climate Adaptation Report
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Thames Water has published its third adaptation report, which explains how it is addressing current and future climate impacts. The statutory requirement to publish adaptation reports is set out in the Climate Change Act 2008.
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If you are interested, or know someone who might be, find out more below.
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Articles, Podcasts and Films
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UCL Tamesis: The New Survey Vessel Paving the Way for Sustainable Maritime Research
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Photo: ‘Maritime Minister, Baroness Vere, and PLA chair, Jonson Cox CBE, with UCL Tamesis, the first fully electric remote survey vessel of any UK port
The PLA and UCL have joined forces to acquire a new survey vessel named UCL Tamesis. The vessel, funded by a £263,000 grant from the Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council, will facilitate research in areas such as coastal morphology, carbon reduction and habitat mapping. Manufactured by Maritime Robotics and equipped with advanced sonar and scanning systems, UCL Tamesis will enable safe and sustainable navigation surveys in previously inaccessible areas. The vessel will also be used in trials to improve the management of remote and autonomous vessels. The naming ceremony was attended by key stakeholders, with the Maritime Minister officially naming the vessel, symbolising a move towards a net-zero maritime future.
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Explore the Thames Path: Accessible Walks Unveil the Beauty of London's National Trail
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Active Thames, a partnership programme led by the PLA, has teamed up with Go Jauntly, a walking app for everyday outdoor adventures, to create a collection of family-friendly walks along the Thames Path. Discover the beauty of the Thames Path National Trail with a series of accessible walks designed to engage and inspire. From a riverside trail and puzzle hunt in Gravesend to nature wonders in Surrey Quays, these walks showcase the cultural history, green spaces and local communities along the Thames. Download the Go Jauntly app to access these walks and thousands of other routes.
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Could Thames Transport be the Future for London Travel?
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London's iconic River Thames could become a key player in the city's transportation system. Despite a dip in passenger numbers during the pandemic, services like river buses, private tours and the Woolwich Ferry are regaining popularity. To investigate the viability of expanding river transport, the London Assembly Transport Committee will scrutinise existing services and consider strategic investments. Transport for London (TfL), in partnership with the PLA, aims to integrate piers into the public transport network, focusing on safety, commercial viability, customer experience and environmental sustainability.
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From River Wall to City Pride: Historic Granite Blocks Repurposed from Tideway Tunnel
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Photo: A bend in the bridge showing where the seating could be (Image: Newham Council)
Granite blocks removed from the Thames River wall as part of Tideway’s work on the super sewer have now been reused across the City of London as part of a new project, ‘From the Thames to Eternity’, which celebrates the role of stone in the creation of the city. These blocks, each weighing approximately one tonne, were originally used in the 19th century as part of Sir Joseph Bazalgette's river wall. The reused blocks will serve various purposes, including wayfinding features, seating areas and spaces for reflection.
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Met Office's Newest Feature: Climate Data Portal
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Photo: Explore Met Office's data
The Met Office is a leader in climate science, the Met Office Hadley Centre for Climate Science and Services provides world-class guidance on the science of climate change and is the primary focus in the UK for climate science. You can now find up-to-date information on all things precipitation, temperture, sea level, observations (past), projections (future) and socioeconmic in their new Climate Data Portal.
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Record Year for Olive Ridley Turtles in Bangladesh
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Photo: With the involvement of local communities, conservation centers collect the eggs to incubate and hatch them in a controlled environment to give the hatchlings a better chance of survival. The hatchlings are then released on the beach. Images by M.A. Shuhag (left) and NACOM (right).
Conservationists in Bangladesh are elated as the country has recorded the highest number of Olive Ridley Turtle eggs during this nesting season. The success is attributed to extensive conservation actions and awareness programmes conducted among local communities. Despite the positive news, the growth of the tourism industry and infrastructure development pose significant threats to the turtles and their nesting grounds. The government, NGOs and local communities are working together to create a safe environment for the turtles, including the establishment of conservation centres and protected nesting grounds.
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Concerns Arise Over Seagrass Decline and Recovery
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Photo: Nature Picture Library
The decline of seagrass, particularly in Florida Bay, has raised worries about its ability to bounce back. Researchers at Florida Atlantic University conducted a study to understand how a specific compound, hydrogen sulphide, affects the growth of turtle-grass in areas where seagrass has died off. They discovered that turtlegrass can reclaim open spaces by wisely distributing its resources and effectively reducing exposure to hydrogen sulphide. However, the process of seagrass meadow recovery takes a significant amount of time. This study emphasises the importance of preventing large-scale seagrass die-offs, especially in the face of climate change and its impacts.
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Satellite Data Reveals Nearly 20,000 Unknown Deep-Sea Mountains
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Photo: Ship-mounted sonar reveals how Kelvin Seamount, off the coast of Massachusetts, rises from the seafloor (purple and blue denote low elevation while red is high). A new mapping technique based on satellite data has found thousands of previously unknown undersea mountains.
Scientists have discovered nearly 20,000 previously unknown seamounts in the ocean using global satellite observations. These underwater mountains, formed through volcanic activity, are hotspots of marine biodiversity and play a crucial role in distributing nutrients throughout the water column. Traditional methods of mapping seamounts are expensive and time-consuming, but satellite measurements of the sea surface height provided a new approach. Most of the newly discovered seamounts are smaller in size, but some could pose risks to navigation, highlighting the importance of accurate ocean mapping.
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Ring the ‘Fish Doorbell’ to Help Fish Migrate
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Image: After someone rings the Fish Doorbell, personnel cranks this wheel to open the Weerdsluis, or Weerd Lock, so the waiting fish can safely pass. ROBERT OOSTERBROEK/COURTESY MARK VAN HEUKELUM
The city of Utrecht in the Netherlands has developed an underwater webcam and interactive "Fish Doorbell" to help fish migrate through the various dams and locks in the city's canals and rivers. The doorbell project enlists the public in helping fish migrate through the various dams and locks in the city's canals and rivers. The doorbell has caught the attention of the public - with more than 100,000 people ringing it in its first spring season - and has become a topic of a Facebook discussion group. However, this is just one solution to the problem of man-made structures disrupting the migratory patterns of fish. TEP’s Fish Migration Roadmap is certainly another great example of a solution.
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ReMeMaRe 2023
Estuarine and Coastal Restoration Conference:
Actioning the Decade of Ocean Restoration
11th - 12th July, Scarborough Spa, South Bay, Scarborough
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The Environment Agency and Ocean & Coastal Futures have come together for this year’s Estuarine and Coastal Restoration Conference. The conference will convene audiences to focus on actioning the restoration agenda for a healthy and resilient estuarine and coastal environment. Furthering the REACH (Restoring Estuarine and Coastal Habitats) conferences since 2019, this year’s focus is on the ambitions of the Restoring Meadow Marsh and Reef (ReMeMaRe) initiative.
The 2023 programme will include five sessions across two days, highlighting current and future opportunities and challenges, illustrating progress and evolving practice and discussing how we achieve our restoration targets. Included in the programme is our Technical Director, Amy Pryor, talking about Building a National Framework for Coastal Coordination.
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The Wrong Side of the River: Historic Bankside Walk
12th July, Southwark Cathedral
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Bankside, the area surrounding Southwark Cathedral, has a rich and colourful history. Sometimes referred to as the “side of the undesirables”, this walking tour uncovers the time when bishops, bards and prostitutes lived and worked alongside each other.
This walk includes a palace ruin, the site of the famous Clink prison, St Mary Overy Dock and the many sites associated with Shakespeare.
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Walthamstow Wetlands Bird Walk
8th July, Walthamstow Wetlands, London Wildlife Trust
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A unique opportunity to explore Walthamstow Wetland's brilliant bird spots with David Lindo in a partnership with Leica.
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A Beautiful Planet 3D
Dates vary, IMAX
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Narrated by Jennifer Lawrence, A Beautiful Planet 3D provides a unique vantage point to witness humanity’s impact on the world. Meet the crew on board the International Space Station as they capture stunning footage of our magnificent blue planet to deepen our connection to the place we all call home.
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Let’s Do London Differently
Dates vary, London
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London National Park City have launched a summer campaign with 300 digital poster sites across London celebrating amazing grassroots organisations in every borough. These grassroots heroes are making a difference within their local communities - either as London National Park City Rangers, or by leading inspiring neighbourhood projects that welcome everyone to play their part.
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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
- Rooted: Stories of Life, Land and a Farming Revolution (Penguin Books Ltd). 'A truly engaging, galvanising story of farming revival, Langford’s important volume shines honest light on the threats, challenges and opportunities of agriculture in today’s Britain.'
- Land Healer: How Farming Can Save Britain’s Countryside (Penguin Books Ltd). 'Jake Fiennes is on a mission to change the face of the English countryside. As Conservation Manager at Holkham in Norfolk, one of the country's largest historic country estates, his radical habitat restoration and agricultural work has nurtured its species and risen its crop yields - bringing back wetlands, hedgerows, birds and butterflies over 25,000 acres of land.'
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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.
Monthly Suggestion
- 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.
Monthly Suggestion
- The Eco Enthusiast - 'Hello, I'm Abigail Austin, the host of 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. Whether you're just starting your sustainability journey or you're a seasoned pro, we hope to inspire and empower you to take action and make a positive impact on our planet.'
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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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