Thames Estuary Partnership

27/08/2026

A day well spent on the Thames 🌊🧤

The TEP team headed down to Point Wharf in North Greenwich to give one of our Estuary Edges sites a much-needed clean-up, removing everything from plastic bottles and drinks cans to gas canisters and even a child’s water pistol.

By the end of the day, we’d filled 10 bags of rubbish.

This stretch of riverbank has been designed to create a softer, more natural edge to the Thames, with reed beds providing valuable habitat for wildlife. But those same reeds can also trap litter brought in by the tide, as well as rubbish left behind by visitors.

With support from the Port of London Authority, we were able to clear the site and give this little pocket of Thames habitat some breathing space again. 💚

A brilliant team effort, and a lovely reminder of how much difference a few hours of practical action can make.

26/06/2026

Feeling the heat? Head towards the blue!

As extreme temperatures affect London and the South East, the River Thames and its surrounding blue spaces can offer moments of relief from the heat.

Water can help create a cooler local microclimate through evaporation and increased airflow, meaning some riverside areas may feel fresher than densely built-up streets.

Look for shaded stretches, parks and tree-lined paths beside the river and avoid prolonged exposure during the hottest part of the day.

💧 Carry plenty of water
🌳 Rest in shaded areas
🧴 Wear sunscreen and a hat
🕚 Avoid strenuous activity between 11am and 3pm
👥 Check in on anyone who may be particularly vulnerable to the heat

And remember: feeling cooler beside the Thames does not make the water safe for unsupervised swimming. Cold-water shock, tides, currents and river traffic remain serious risks, even during a heatwave.

How are you keeping cool beside the Thames this weekend?

Image: Brian Duffy 2020

19/06/2026

What could students learn from using the Thames as their classroom?

The new Natural History GCSE has taken another major step towards becoming a reality, and we are so ready to see it inspire a new generation of wildlife guardians.

The proposed course will give young people the opportunity to study the wildlife and habitats found on their doorsteps, including freshwater environments such as rivers, streams and canals, alongside urban and marine habitats.

For young people growing up along the Thames, the river and its estuary could become an extraordinary outdoor classroom.

From freshwater species and food webs to mudflats, salt marshes, biodiversity, climate change and conservation, the proposed GCSE will help students understand how habitats function, how human activity affects them and what can be done to support their recovery.

Students are also expected to complete at least 20 hours of fieldwork, opening up opportunities to explore local rivers, identify wildlife, record environmental change and develop the practical skills needed for the green careers of the future.

The qualification has been confirmed, but its proposed content is now open for consultation. We would love to see rivers, catchments and river restoration given a strong and visible place within the final course.

Because protecting the Thames begins with helping the next generation notice it, understand it and care for it.

©️ Ann & Steve Toon/Getty

13/05/2026

Could you help inspire the next generation of Thames environmental leaders? 🌊

We’re looking for a Learning & Engagement Manager to lead education, training and community engagement programmes across the River Thames and Estuary.

From ocean literacy and climate resilience to green careers and community outreach, this role will help connect people, especially young people and under-served communities, with the Thames and its future.

Apply now:
https://environmentjob.co.uk/jobs/110233-learning-engagement-manager

Spread the word. Tag someone who would be great at this job!

08/05/2026

Happy 100th Birthday to Sir David Attenborough 🎉🌍

A voice that has inspired generations to connect with and protect the natural world.

Today we’re celebrating his incredible legacy and sharing The Living Thames, presented by Chris Baines and introduced by Sir David Attenborough, exploring the ever-changing ecology of the River Thames 💙

28/04/2026

Join us in Reimagining the River at St John’s Church, Waterloo, on 21 May from 9.00am to 12.30pm.

As part of the Joint Thames Strategy, Thames Estuary Partnership will be speaking at this half-day event exploring the future of the Thames riverside in South Bank and Waterloo.

The event will bring together local residents, landowners, stakeholders and community representatives to discuss how the riverside may need to adapt in response to rising sea levels. Some stretches of river wall across the Thames Estuary may need to be raised by around half a metre by 2050, which could affect our connection to the river and the future development of the riverside.

The session will include an introduction to the history of the South Bank riverfront from David Sweetland of A London Inheritance, updates from the Environment Agency, Thames Estuary Partnership and Local Authorities, river regeneration examples from Ole Schrøder of THIRD NATURE, and a chance to contribute your priorities and values for the future of the River Thames.

Places are limited and high demand is expected, so please sign up soon if you would like to join us.

Join us in Reimagining the River Thames on the 21st May.

21/04/2026

With Earth Day taking place tomorrow, this is a timely moment to reflect on the value of partnership-led action across the Thames.

At Thames Estuary Partnership, our work through the Joint Thames Strategies supports a more resilient future for the river and its communities. That means listening carefully to riverside experiences, understanding local opportunities and challenges, and ensuring community priorities help shape long-term strategy.

As we look ahead, we’re reminded that climate resilience is not only about policy, it is also about place, connection and participation.

What do you think should be prioritised along the Thames in the years ahead?

14/04/2026

What’s missing from your local riverside? 🌿🌊

As TEP continues work on the Joint Thames Strategy, we want to hear from the people and organisations who know these spaces best.

From flooding and safety concerns to accessibility, green space, and overlooked opportunities — your experience matters, and it can help shape a healthier, safer, and more connected riverside.

We’re looking to hear from:
Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) and local businesses, Residents Associations, and Community Groups.

If that’s you, we’d love to hear your thoughts.

Below you can find a list of events and links for the organisations within Thames Strategy London Central:

* BIDs and Businesses Webinar: 11th of May from 2pm to 3:30pm - https://www.tickettailor.com/events/thamesestuarypartnership/2129464

* Residents Associations Webinar: 12th of May from 2pm to 3:30pm – https://www.tickettailor.com/events/thamesestuarypartnership/2129559

* Community Groups Webinar: 14th of May from 2pm to 3:30pm - https://www.tickettailor.com/events/thamesestuarypartnership/2129542

Below you can find a list of event and links for the organisations within Thames Strategy East:

* BIDs and Businesses Webinar: 26th of May from 2pm to 3:30pm - https://www.tickettailor.com/events/thamesestuarypartnership/2129583

* Community Groups Webinar: 28th of May from 2pm to 3:30pm - https://www.tickettailor.com/events/thamesestuarypartnership/2129589

* Residents Associations Webinar: 29th of May from 2pm to 3:30pm – https://www.tickettailor.com/events/thamesestuarypartnership/2129578

We look forward to welcoming you!

01/04/2026

01/04/2026

We’re launching something new… and you’re invited 🌊

Introducing our brand new newsletter Between the Reaches — a space to connect, share, and hear from you.

The River Thames is one of London’s most iconic lifelines. As climate pressures grow, protecting its health, character, and future has never been more important.

That’s why the Joint Thames Strategy is bringing people together to secure the river’s long-term resilience — and at the heart of it all is you.

This newsletter is our way of opening up the conversation.
✨ Sharing what we’re working on
✨ Spotlighting the river
✨ And most importantly… listening to your voice

Be part of the community from the very start 💙

Subscribe to the first issue here:
https://mailchi.mp/f69064f86a5f/j345fgx41y

Got thoughts or questions? Drop them in the comments 👇