London Rivers Week Archives - South East Rivers Trust

London Rivers Week 2024

Posted on 2 July 20242 July 2024 by Polly

Last week, we celebrated London Rivers Week by hosting four local events on our South London rivers, with 90 volunteers joining us to make a positive impact.

What is London Rivers Week?

London Rivers Week is an annual campaign that inspires the public to celebrate all of London’s rivers and the various projects that protect them. This year’s theme, “London is a River City,” focused on health, well-being, and cultural activities. Now in its eighth year, London Rivers Week continues to grow, uniting partners and communities to celebrate the abundance of rivers and waterways in London.

Cleaning up the Wandle

Cleaning the Wandle for London Rivers Week 2024

Volunteers from near and far joined us to clean up the River Wandle in Poulter Park. Their fantastic efforts resulted in the removal of a significant amount of rubbish, including tyres, a push bike, pots and pans, a huge sign, a few shoes, and some very gross cushions. A big thank you to Sutton Council for arranging rubbish removal and to Tooting and Mitcham Community Sports Club for letting us use their facilities!

Showcasing restoration on the Beverley Brook

We gave a tour along the Beverley Brook from Richmond Park to Wimbledon Common (and back again!) to learn about the history, ecology and river restoration work of the Beverley Brook. In 2015, we partnered with The Royal Parks to rehabilitate over 600m of the Beverley Brook through Richmond Park and improve the water quality of the river by implementing both engineered and nature-based solutions. This is one of our flagship projects and we love sharing it with the community and local partners – you can read more about it here!

Family Fun At Elmbridge Meadows Community Day

A fun-filled family day was the perfect opportunity for residents to find out how our Enriching Elmbridge Meadows project will re-naturalise 1km of the Hogsmill River. Our information stall gave more information on the river and the project, children enjoyed our craft activities and a small group got into the river in the afternoon to pull up the invasive plant, Himalayan Balsam. Some of our wonderful riverfly volunteers, who carry out monthly monitoring of river invertebrates, kindly gave their time to help collect river dipping samples and people of all ages took delight in seeing what actually lives in the river.

Bashing balsam on the Hogsmill Chalk Stream

We had an amazing turnout for a balsam bash on the Hogsmill with local volunteers joined by the Kingston Ramblers.

Himalayan balsam is a big problem for river banks up and down the country. In addition to competition for pollinators, native plants must also compete for light, nutrients and space, leading to an overall reduction in native biodiversity. Moreover, the fact that the balsam dies back in the winter means that it leaves river banks bare and susceptible to erosion, and the dead leaves and stems can also cause blockages, which can lead to flooding.

What’s more, each plant can produce up to 800 seeds per year – and one plant can propel copious amounts of that seed a distance of up to seven metres!

We’re working with local partners to tackle balsam on the Hogsmill, planning events to eradicate the upstream source first and work downstream. We have also trialed biological control as part of the wider Enriching Elmbridge Meadows Project.

London Rivers Week is organised for the River Partnerships in London (RiPL) via the London Rivers Week steering group. The principal organisations running London Rivers Week are the Environment Agency, Thames21, the South East Rivers Trust, London Wildlife Trust, ZSL, CPRE London, and the Thames Estuary Partnership. In addition to these organisations, many other groups run and contribute to events, walks, talks and seminars to demonstrate the value of rivers.

Another great year for the event, and we look forward to London Rivers Week 2025!

Family fun in Elmbridge during London Rivers Week

Posted on 4 June 20244 June 2024 by Ian Lamont

A fun-filled family day in Elmbridge Meadows is the centre-piece of the South East Rivers Trust’s contribution to London Rivers Week 2024.

Residents will have the chance to learn how our Enriching Elmbridge Meadows project, starting later this year, will improve the River Hogsmill in this local nature reserve in Berrylands, Kingston.

The community will have the chance to learn how to remove Himalayan Balsam first hand, via a “balsam bash”, alongside other activities such as guided walks and crafts.

The event takes place on Sunday 23rd June, on the first weekend of London Rivers Week (22nd to 30th June), as groups across the capital invite people to celebrate the theme of ‘London is a River City’.

Emma Broadbent, SERT’s Volunteer and Engagement Officer, said: “We are always thrilled when London Rivers Week comes around because south London’s rivers are where our work began.

“Our range of events give people the chance to learn why the Hogsmill, Beverley Brook and Wandle rivers are vital to communities and wildlife, and what they can do to help protect and enhance them.

“In particular, London Rivers Week 2024 gives the communities of Surbiton, Tolworth and Kingston the perfect opportunity to find out how our Enriching Elmbridge Meadows project will re-naturalise 1km of the River Hogsmill. Our information stall and guided walks will give more information on the river and the project, children can enjoy our craft activities and people of all ages can delight in seeing what actually lives in the river at our river dipping table.

“We will have lots of volunteering opportunities as part of this project, with a focus on managing Himalayan Balsam. This non-native invasive species destabilises river banks, spreads very easily and outgrows native plants.”

Further restoration plans for Elmbridge include adding gravel to the river to give fish and invertebrates refuge places and areas to spawn, and adding woody debris to re-wiggle a straight and narrowed river so that nature can thrive better.

A volunteer tackles Himalayan Balsam — A SERT volunteer tackles Himalayan Balsam

As well as the Elmbridge Meadows day focusing on the Hogsmill (10am to 3pm), SERT will also be staging three other events during the week, giving people the opportunity to understand the importance of rivers and take action to protect them.

A balsam bash at Six Acre Meadows, to protect the River Hogsmill from this non-native invasive species, on Tuesday 25th June, 10am to 2pm.

A guided walk from Richmond Park to Wimbledon Common (and back!) to learn about the history, ecology and restoration work along on the Beverley Brook on Wednesday 26th June, 10am to 12.30pm.

A River Wandle cleanup at Poulter Park, Carshalton, clearing rubbish from the river to protect wildlife and help it thrive, on Thursday 27th June 10am to 2pm.

The eighth annual London Rivers Week, organised for the River Partnerships in London, features about 60 events. These range from river clean-ups to cultural experiences, emphasising the intrinsic links between people and their waterways, all designed to raise awareness of the capital’s network of rivers, how they benefit us and how we can protect them.

London Rivers Week is organised for the River Partnerships in London (RiPL) via the London Rivers Week steer group.  The principal organisations running London Rivers Week are the Environment Agency, Thames21, the South East Rivers Trust, London Wildlife Trust, ZSL, CPRE London, and the Thames Estuary Partnership. In addition to these organisations, many other groups run and contribute to events, walks, talks and seminars to demonstrate the value of rivers.

Elmbridge Meadows Community River Day in London Rivers Week

Join us on Sunday 23rd June for a day of river-themed family fun to start London Rivers Week!

Come and learn more about the Elmbridge Meadows river restoration project at the SERT information stall or take part in one of our activities which include guided walks, balsam bashing and crafts.

The guided walk will depart at 11am and will last 1-1.5hrs, covering a distance of 1.5 miles.

The balsam bash activity will begin at 1:30pm, finishing at 2:45pm.

There is no need to book for any of the activities, just come along on the day. Light refreshments will be available.

Our stall will be set up at the entrance to Elmbridge Meadows, just off the roundabout at Elmbridge Avenue, and Raeburn Avenue. Nearest postcode: KT5 8EN. Google map HERE

Balsam Bashing:

Balsam is an invasive plants that causes big problems for rivers up and down the country. The balsam bashing activity can be done from the banks or in the water, wearing waders. The activity will be supervised by SERT staff and we will provide all the equipment you will need. The balsam bash activity is suitable for under 16s if they are accompanied by an adult. 16-18 year olds will need to be accompanied or have written parental consent to take part (please email volunteering@southeastriverstrust.org for more info). No under 14s will be able to enter the water.

Please wear appropriate clothing and footwear (wellies or hiking boots) if you would like to take part a guided walk or balsam bashing.

Please note that there are no toilets on site.

The event is one of about 60 taking place during London Rivers Week 2024, which has the theme of London is a river city.

To read our Health and Safety Guidelines for the balsam bash that will take place during the open day, please click HERE.

Photos and video footage will be taken at this event and used by the Trust for promotional purposes (including but not limited to printed materials, social media, newsletters and the website) and potentially shared with our external partners and funders. From time to time, external media agencies could also take photos, film or record our events.

The Trust’s lawful basis for processing this is “Legitimate Interests” under the General Data Protection Regulations. As an individual you have rights. If you wish for SERT to stop processing this data for you, please talk to a member of staff or email info@southeastriverstrust.org.

To read our Privacy Policy and see how we use and look after the information you provide when booking your spot at our events please click HERE.

Six Acre Meadow Balsam Bash – Hogsmill River, in London Rivers Week

Activity Description: Join us during London Rivers Week at Six Acre Meadow to help remove the invasive plant, Himalayan balsam.

Himalayan balsam is a big problem for river banks up and down the country. In addition to competition for pollinators, native plants must also compete for light, nutrients and space, leading to an overall reduction in biodiversity. Moreover, the fact that the balsam dies back in the winter means that it leaves river banks bare and susceptible to erosion, and the dead leaves and stems can also cause blockages, which lead to flooding.

What’s more, each plant can produce up to 800 seeds per year – and one plant can propel copious amounts of that seed a distance of up to seven metres. This seed can spread considerably further if carried by the river, making it certain – if unchecked – to be more widespread year on year.

Meeting point: Meet at the entrance to the Hogsmill Open Space, just off Knollmead, Surbiton, KT5 9QN. Google map HERE

What to bring: Please wear appropriate clothes and footwear. If it is hot, please bring a hat and suncream. There will be options to work from the bank or in the water in waders. We will provide tea, coffee and biscuits but please bring a bottle of water and a packed lunch.

BOOKING ESSENTIAL – please rsvp using the button below and complete the form to secure your spot. If the event is already fully booked then please sign yourself up to the waiting list and we’ll be in touch if a space becomes available.

Booking for this event will close at 5pm on 23rd June.

The event is one of about 60 taking place during London Rivers Week 2024, which has the theme of London is a river city.

Please email volunteering@southeastriverstrust.org to:

Find out more information,
Cancel your space if you can no longer make it.

To read our Health and Safety Guidelines for this event please click HERE.

To read our Privacy Policy and see how we use and look after the information you provide when booking your spot at our events please click HERE.

River Cleanup – Poulter Park, River Wandle, in London Rivers Week

Activity Description: Join us during London Rivers Week at Poulter Park to don waders and enter the Wandle to remove litter and plastic pollution. Rubbish in our rivers is a big problem. Not only is it unsightly, it also has a huge environmental impact; harming wildlife and leaking chemicals and pollutants into the water. If it’s not picked up, it often makes its way into our oceans where it is estimated it will persist for hundreds of years, damaging marine ecosystems and even ending up in our food chain as micro-plastics.

Meeting point: Meet near to Mitcham and Carshalton Rugby Club, off Peterborough Road, Carshalton, SM5 1DT. Google map HERE

What to bring: Please wear appropriate clothes and footwear. If it is hot, please bring a hat and sun cream. There will be options to work from the bank or in the water in waders. We will provide tea, coffee and biscuits but please bring a bottle of water and a packed lunch.

Booking for this event will close at 5pm on Monday 24th June.

The event is one of about 60 in London Rivers Week 2024, which has the theme of London is a river city.

Please email volunteering@southeastriverstrust.org to:

Find out more information,
Cancel your space if you can no longer make it.

To read our Health and Safety Guidelines for this event please click HERE.

To read our Privacy Policy and see how we use and look after the information you provide when booking your spot at our events please click HERE.

Guided walk – Beverley Brook, London Rivers Week

Activity Description: Join us for a guided walk from Richmond Park to Wimbledon Common (and back again!) to learn about the history, ecology and river restoration work of the Beverley Brook.

The event is one of about 60 taking place during London Rivers Week 2024, which has the theme of London is a river city.

The walk will last around 2.5hrs and will cover around 3 miles.

Please note, the walk is linear so we will return along the same route, following the river to finish at the starting point.

Meeting point: Meet at the Roehampton Gate cafe, Richmond Park, SW15 5JP. Google map HERE

What to bring: Please wear appropriate clothes and footwear. You may also want to bring a bottle of water.

Booking for this event will close at 5pm on Tuesday 25th June.

Please email volunteering@southeastriverstrust.org to:

Find out more information,
Cancel your space if you can no longer make it.

To read our Health and Safety Guidelines for this event please click HERE.

To read our Privacy Policy and see how we use and look after the information you provide when booking your spot at our events please click HERE.

Become a Junior River Ranger at London Rivers Week sessions

Posted on 15 May 202324 May 2023 by Ian Lamont

Children aged 5-11 can become official Junior River Rangers for the South East Rivers Trust during London Rivers Week (29th May to 4th June).

Nature scavenger hunts, craft activities and river dipping demonstrations are all part of three interactive sessions packed with family fun that are being put on by the waterways charity.

The sessions will give primary school-aged children the chance to explore and understand the natural world around them and learn about what thrives along popular spots in south London.

Learn from our experienced educators

Children learn by exploring nature — Children who sign up to our half-term sessions can become fully fledged Junior River Rangers © South East Rivers Trust

Children will learn why rivers are important and pick up water saving tips from SERT’s experienced educators, completing enough “green” and “blue” activities from the charity’s Junior Rivers Rangers scheme to earn a badge and certificate on the day.

The sessions, as follows, are free but must be booked in advance.

30^th May 9.30am to 12pm: Discover wildlife by exploring the Beverley Brook in Barnes through crafts and scavenger hunts. Session supported by Barnes Common.

31^st May 9.30am to 12pm: Sign up for river dipping and other fun while exploring the River Wandle at the Sutton Ecology Centre, Carshalton. Supported by Sutton Council.

1^st June 9.30am to 12pm: Explore the River Wandle with scavenger hunts and a chance to get close to nature at Kimber Skate Park. Supported by Enable at Wandsworth Borough Council.

‘Experiencing nature first hand is key’

Robyn Shaw, SERT’s Assistant Education Officer who is leading the sessions, said: “Inspiring children to love and value water at the earliest opportunity in life is at the heart of our education programme.

“There’s no better way to understand the types of wildlife that thrives in our rivers than to experience it first hand and to explore it through creating nature art and seeing what is in the river.

“Our popular Junior River Rangers programme also ensures youngsters champion water saving in their homes and gardens. The activities are designed to show them how the water in our rivers is connected to what we use, stirring them to think about climate change, which is a key them of this year’s London Rivers Week.”

London Rivers Week, now in its seventh year, aims to inspire the public to help learn about and protect the capital’s waterways through walks, talks, interactive sessions and seminars.

Focus on climate change

This year’s theme is climate change and how river restoration can reduce its impact, for people and wildlife, through restoring habitats to reduce the effects of extreme weather.

London waterways charity Thames21 is co-ordinating the week, which features more than 30 events spread across the capital. Liz Gyekye, Communications Manager, said: “There’s a very wide range of events for people to get involved with this year, from meandering river walks to craft classes and topical debates.”

Sir Tony Robinson, actor, author and TV presenter, said: “As a devoted admirer of the Thames and its tributaries, I am proud to be supporting London Rivers Week 2023. We need healthy rivers to help us to tackle the negative impacts of the climate crisis.”

* London Rivers Week is run on behalf of the Catchment Partnerships in London (CPiL) via its sister organisation London Rivers Restoration Group (LRRG). The full list of events can be found here.

More than 40 river restoration projects – reinstating a natural process and biodiversity to waterways – have taken place in London since 2000. Since 2000, about 28 miles (45km) has been restored. The principal organisations running London Rivers Week are the Environment Agency, Thames21, the South East Rivers Trust, London Wildlife Trust, ZSL, CPRE London, the Thames Estuary Partnership, and Thames Water.

* The Junior River Rangers scheme is part of the Trust’s educational programme. Education is one of SERT’s mission’s cornerstones. We have a range of initiatives to encourage young people to engage with rivers. Project Kingfisher is our core educational programme covering our South London Rivers (Wandle, Hogsmill and Beverley Brook). For more information visit our education page.

Wandle Discovery Day

Posted on 1 June 20226 July 2022 by Ian Lamont

Join us for a fun-filled Wandle Discovery Day on Saturday 16th July, as the South East Rivers Trust (SERT) celebrates its 20th anniversary during London Rivers Week.

Several events will be running from Merton Abbey Mills to Poulter Park, giving you the chance to don waders and find out what’s in the river, or learn about the wildlife and industrial history through a range of activities.