CPRE London is helping to organise London Rivers Week from 23 – 31 October this year. Along with partners Thames 21, the Environment Agency, Thames Water and others, they are hosting walks, talks, litter picks and other events to celebrate the rivers of London. Find out more below.
Rivers are an essential feature of London’s landscape. They provide the foundation of the natural environment. It is vital that we continue to restore and improve them to benefit the capital’s people, wildlife and resilience against climate change.
This is why CPRE London has organised talks, walks and activities to explore our blue spaces, showcase the benefits of river restoration to biodiversity and wellbeing, and, critically, to help tackle climate change. For members and supporters who want to get stuck in they have even put together a canoe-based litterpicking event!
There is also a water-themed photography competition ‘PictureBlueLondon’ with cash prizes and free tickets to the London Aquarium and ZSL London Zoo. It’s free to enter and they’re encouraging everyone to send in their best shots of London’s waterscapes.
“I think the kind of landscape that you grew up in, it lives with you. I don’t think it’s true of people who’ve grown up in cities so much; you may love a building, but I don’t think that you can love it in the way that you love a tree or a river or the colour of the earth; it’s a different kind of love.” Arundhati Roy
Do you agree with Arundhati Roy, or can London’s rivers mean more to city-dwellers? Come and explore our connections with water during London Rivers Week.
You can register for these events organised by CPRE London online via the eventbrite links below. A full programme for London Rivers Week can be found on the Thames 21 website here.
Sunday 24th ‘Following the Ravensbourne’ – a river walk in south east London SOLD OUT – contact office@cprelondon.org.uk to join a waiting list.
A leisurely 3-mile guided walk tracing the Ravensbourne River from Lewisham to Deptford Creek, and onto Greenwich. On this walk you will get glimpses of the tidal Creek’s past as your guide Peter Coles will bring nature and history together.
Monday 25th Healthy Water Bodies (Webinar)
GET YOUR TICKET HERE
Join online to explore the many health benefits of water and how we can make London’s water bodies more accessible to people for wellbeing. With Theo Thomas (London Waterkeeper), Grant Waters (Tranquil City), Kate Sumnall (Museum of London), and Toni Guiver (Friends of Firs Farm).
Tuesday 26th Restoring London’s Rivers (Webinar)
GET YOUR TICKET HERE
Find out about recent river restoration projects in London and the benefits they have brought to biodiversity, climate resilience and wellbeing. Join experts Dave Webb (the Environment Agency), Mathew Frith (the London Wildlife Trust), Jamie Kukadia (LB of Enfield), Petra Sovic Davies (SE Rivers Trust/River Wandle), and others to explore the key challenges and future opportunities.
Wednesday 27th London Rivers Book Club (Online panel)
GET YOUR TICKET HERE
A discussion with leading contemporary authors about the cultural and personal importance of London’s rivers and waterways. Join mudlarker Lara Maiklem, ‘searcher of buried water’ Tom Bolton, and lover of mysteries Tom Chivers for what promises to be a fascinating session.
Sunday 31st Canoe Litter Pick on the River Lea – sign up here. Numbers limited so please book early!
Paddle in one hand, litter picker in the other! Come and help clean up the River Lea on Halloween for this family- friendly event. No prior experience necessary for either canoeing or litter picking. Halloween fancy dress is encouraged. See event link above for important information.
Ongoing until 26 November – ‘Picture Blue London’ photography competition – details here
CPRE London wants to encourage everyone to share their love London’s waterscapes. Open to all ages and abilities, they’re asking Londoners to submit their images of water features, landscapes or wildlife from the capital’s blue spaces in response to the three themes of London Rivers Week – Access to Nature, Health and Wellbeing and Climate Resilience. They will be looking for a winner under each of the three categories – £100 prizes and more! Entries can be submitted until 26 November and winners, to be judged by a panel including London’s Deputy Mayor for the Environment, Shirley Rodrigues, will be announced in December.
