Photo: TEP team on the day of the event
TEP and partners Richmond Borough Council and Thames Landscape Strategy launched the official announcement of this unprecedented collaboration across the estuary at the House of Lords earlier this month. Baroness Susan Kramer presided over the event, giving an introduction alongside key speakers Laura Littleton from the Environment Agency and Manager for Thames Estuary TE2100, Jason Debney, Coordinator for the Thames Landscape Strategy and TEP's Chief Executive, Heather Hilburn. The event was well represented with over 100 guests across central and local government, NGOs and key stakeholders with a vested interest in climate change and the Thames. 

The Joint Thames Strategies Refresh is the first time that policy will be coordinated and adopted across the Thames from Surrey to the sea. By updating the three existing strategies at the same time, we can bring together joint themes including flood risk, environmental, socio-economic and town planning policy guidance alongside the London Plan, local plans, and beyond. 
 
If you would like to get in touch about the Joint Thames Strategy Refresh, please contact us via the button below.

We are looking for a highly motivated, well-organised and enthusiastic Senior Project Manager to join us at the Thames Estuary Partnership (TEP) to review and refresh the Joint Thames Strategies (JTS) in collaboration with our partners and stakeholders across the tidal Thames.  The Joint Thames Strategies represents the first time that environmental and town planning policy for the Thames Estuary will be coordinated from Surrey to the sea.
 
The purpose of this exciting and timely role is to Project Manage TEP’s objectives within the Joint Thames Strategies review and refresh, ensuring alignment with the Environment Agency’s Thames Estuary 2100 flood risk policies. There are currently three JTS which will be reviewed and refreshed through a collaborative, partnership approach. TEP will lead on the review of one JTS, Thames Strategy East, and scope the development of a further two where none currently exist. 
 
Each of the JTS are Supplementary Planning Guidance documents within The London Plan. They were established to support and enable a coordinated approach to planning along and across the river, recognising that in characteristic stretches of the tidal Thames, neighbouring boroughs often share similar challenges and opportunities.  
 
Once the JTS are in place and adopted, councils can use them to ensure new development delivers Thames Estuary 2100 outcomes, such as defence raising and riverside improvements and wider benefits such as improving the public realm and enhancing the environment. By investing in the refresh of the three existing JTS now, the cost of flood defence and climate adaptation works can be minimised, ensuring healthy and climate resilient riverside communities and environments into the future, as well as capturing the unique character of local areas.
 
The project is being led by The London Borough of Richmond upon Thames Council and delivered in partnership with the three JTS organisations, Thames Landscape Strategy - Weybridge to Kew; Thames Strategy - Kew to Chelsea; and Thames Strategy East – Tower Bridge to Gravesend. The project will also be delivered in collaboration with the City of London to help share learning and support Central Boroughs to develop a JTS in this area. Scoping of a similar approach will also take place below Gravesend, across Essex and Kent to the tidal limit at Shoeburyness and Sheerness.

Three of our TEP team members, Amy Pryor, Wanda Bodnar and Chloe Russell, had the pleasure of being invited to see part of the Thames Tideway Tunnel to celebrate the progress of the Tideway project. The event, based in the Tideway’s Battersea site, included descending more than 50 metres underground to the ‘Underground Garden’ which was proudly displayed to mark the environmental legacy of the tunnel.

Our online course exploring the Thames Estuary proved to be a resounding success, with positive feedback pouring in from all participants. The first course spanned three engaging sessions and attendees were thrilled to discover the captivating story of the Thames Estuary including its rich history, its present state and its future prospects. Our Chairman, Victoria Borwick, who attended the initial part of the course, expressed her satisfaction with the course materials. 

The course offered a comprehensive exploration of the Thames, from the physical and chemical aspects that influence its flow to the hidden ecosystems thriving within it. Participants also learned about the Thames' significant role in London's development and the challenges it faces in the form of pollution and climate change. The course provided insights into governance and safety measures for enjoying the river responsibly. Moreover, discussions about the TE2100 plan and the Tideway Tunnel project underscored the efforts towards a resilient Thames in the face of the climate emergency. 

The course’s  success has paved the way for future sessions, further deepening the understanding and appreciation of this fascinating estuary. If you missed out on this opportunity, there are more upcoming course-repeats to look forward to! Please visit the button below to explore future dates.

In July, we conducted a comprehensive fish survey across two locations: Battersea Reach and Point Wharf, Greenwich. At Battersea Reach, which was last surveyed in 2017, we collected data using three seine net samples and three fyke nets. The survey yielded a total of 54 fish comprising eight different species, including zander, goby, seabass, dace and bream. Additionally, a single European eel was caught during the fyke net operation. 

Moving on to Point Wharf, Greenwich, we also performed three seine net samples, revealing the presence of seabass and roach. Additionally, three fyke nets were deployed, with one of them successfully capturing a sea bass. These surveys provided valuable insights into the fish utilisation of both sites during the specified time period.

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.

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.

Early bird tickets will end on Monday at midnight, so make sure to book now and save £10. See you on board!

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.

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.

• Deputy Harbour Master
• Head of Sustainability Projects and Partnerships 
• Senior Surveyor
• Technical Coordinator