Thames21 Limited

Thank you for your interest in our Microplastic Blitz. We look forward to welcoming you to our event.

Our rivers are beautiful spaces, but they can face growing challenges from plastic pollution. Join us for a group water sampling event to collect valuable citizen science data about microplastic pollution in the river environment.We’re calling on volunteers, community groups and environmental groups to come together and make a difference.When: Friday 18 September 2026Time: 10am–1pm Where: Across the Brent Catchment. Samplers will be assigned to one of the following hubs to collect their sampling kits the morning of - Pitshanger Park, Chandos Park, Riverside Park.This free activity is open to anyone aged 18 and over. Under-18s are welcome when accompanied by a legal parent or guardian.Whether you're passionate about protecting our rivers, interested in citizen science, or simply want to spend a couple of hours outdoors making a difference, we'd love you to join us! 💚📩&nbsp;Contact: For further details or to register your interest, please contact Amy O’Reilly at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="mailto:Amy.oreilly@thames21.org.uk">Amy.oreilly@thames21.org.uk</a>Come along, get involved and help us tackle plastic pollution together!

Join our MicroPlasticBlitz across the Brent catchment

Various - Brent Catchment

Join the Ching Action Group for a one‑day, in‑person MoRPh (Modular River Physical) training session combining indoor learning with a guided field exercise along the River Ching, just a short walk from the venue. MoRPh surveys are a method for documenting the physical habitat characteristics of rivers — including channel shape, vegetation, flow types, and bank features. By collecting this information, volunteers can help build a detailed picture of river condition, identify pressures and opportunities for restoration, and track how the river changes over time. This training equips participants with the skills to carry out MoRPh surveys confidently and contribute valuable data to support evidence‑based river management. It also strengthens local stewardship by deepening understanding of how healthy river systems function and how communities can play an active role in their protection. To bring: Lunch, water, flask of tea or coffee, notepad and pen, fully charged smart mobile device, outdoor wear appropriate for the weather.&nbsp;

Ching Action Group Citizen Science MoRPh Training

Chingford Station Community Hub

Thanks for booking. More information will be sent to you the week before.

Join us for our Action for Silk Stream monthly volunteering days. They will be held on the last Thursday of each month.&nbsp;We will be at Watling Park in Barnet where we will be giving this space an autumn clean!&nbsp;Activities include cutting back brambles and overgrown vegetation along the river banks and litter picking.&nbsp;Where to meet:Watling Park, Barnet, HA8 0RWMeet up near the entrance by Abbots Road What3words: ///shovels.locked.cheek Nearest tube: Burnt Oak (northern line)&nbsp;What to Bring:Dress for the weather and the task – long trousers and sleeves are advisable as there are nettles and brambles.Please bring a packed lunch and plenty of fluids.We will bring tea/coffee and biscuits.We will provide all other equipment (including wellies) needed for the event and we look forward to welcoming you!&nbsp;Email helen.cardy@thames21.org.uk if you have any questions.Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Please make sure you have weather appropriate clothing for the day.Please get in touch if you have any questions about accessibility. We will do our best to make this event as accessible as possible.&nbsp;This is an event designed for the community to engage the local public with the river and not for corporates. If you are interested in a bespoke corporate volunteer day. Please visit our website&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thames21.org.uk/get-involved-2/corporateteamdays/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.thames21.org.uk/get-involved-2/corporateteamdays/</a>

Action for Silk Stream  - River Action Day

Watling Park

Hello, Thank you for booking your place for this workshop. We will be in touch with more info regarding the event closer to the date. If you have any questions regarding the session on Sunday 27th September, please email Steph at stephanie.fernandes@thames21.org.uk. For all general enquiries regarding The Roding Rises project, please email therodingrises@thames21.org.uk.Many thanks,Stephanie

Join Thames21 and local artist <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.andrewjohnbrown.com/">Andrew Brown</a> for an exciting river walk and&nbsp;photography workshop.As part of <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.thames21.org.uk/connecting-communities/the-roding-rises/">The Roding Rises</a> project, we'll explore the scenic areas around the River Roding while discovering innovative and historic photography techniques, from cyanotypes to infrared photography. Gain insights into what photographs reveal about the river, explore different ways of representing it, and learn about the environmental impacts of both analogue and digital photography.📍Please meet at Redbridge Tube Station as a group and then make our way to the River Roding. Please wear weather-appropriate shoes and clothing as the whole session will be outdoors.Please bring snacks and a bottle of water with you.No prior experience or equipment is required — just bring your curiosity! Feel free to bring your own camera to enhance your experience.Andrew Brown is an artist and educator based at SPACE studios in Ilford. He volunteers as Arts Associate for the River Roding Trust.🌊 About Roding Rises This workshop is part of Roding Rises, a three-year project supporting the restoration of the River Roding and helping local communities reconnect with, care for and celebrate London’s third-longest river.Using money raised by National Lottery players, The National Lottery Heritage Fund supports projects that connect people and communities with the UK’s heritage. The Roding Rises is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, we are working with partners&nbsp;and communities&nbsp;across the catchment&nbsp;to continue&nbsp;to restore&nbsp;the River Roding and its smaller rivers and streams, reconnect people with them and build long-term stewardship for the future.

Redbridge Tube Station

Join us to turn Oxleas Woods into a flood-fighting, biodiversity-boosting powerhouse! This winter, join us for 15 fun and hands-on volunteer events as we transform Oxleas Woods into a thriving wet woodland. Together, we’ll help slow the flow of floodwater, protect downstream communities, and create a vibrant habitat for wildlife. Last year, we installed 16 leaky dams along the River Wogebourne, which flows through the heart of the woodland. This year, we are extending this work to the smaller tributaries of the Wogebourne, helping to retain even more water within the woodland. We are also creating dead hedges in eroded areas to protect and encourage the recovery of the woodland understory. Where to meet:Oxleas Woods Café car park-&nbsp;&nbsp;What 3 Words: second.butter.swung-&nbsp;&nbsp;Google maps: <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/ew6xcXvhSu69ujqK7" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://maps.app.goo.gl/ew6xcXvhSu69ujqK7</a>-&nbsp;&nbsp;Nearest station: Falconwood Occasionally the meeting point may change depending on where we are working during the day. You will be notified the day before the event via email where the meeting point will be. What to Bring: Dress for the weather and the task – long trousers and sleeves are advisable as there are nettles and brambles. Please bring a packed lunch and plenty of fluids. We will bring tea/coffee and biscuits. We will provide all other equipment (including wellies) needed for the event and we look forward to welcoming you! Extra Info: Email charlie.southard@thames21.org.uk if you have any questions. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Please make sure you have weather appropriate clothing for the day. Please get in touch if you have any questions about accessibility. We will do our best to make this event as accessible as possible. Please book a place via the booking link on Plinth before attending. This helps me estimate numbers so I can bring enough equipment and PPE, and plan activities appropriately for the group size. If the group size is too big for the resources, equipment and tasks available you may be turned away. This is an event designed for the community to engage the local public with the river and not for corporates. If you are interested in a bespoke corporate volunteer day. Please visit our website&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thames21.org.uk/get-involved-2/corporateteamdays/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.thames21.org.uk/get-involved-2/corporateteamdays/</a>

Oxleas Wood

Join us to bring the River Beck back to life! A total of 7 fun and interactive volunteer events will be held throughout the winter season to restore the River Beck to its former glory. The River Beck is a valued local blue space that runs through High Broom and Harvington Woods, but heavy public use has led to widespread bank erosion and increased sediment entering the river. Our mission is to use nature-based solutions upstream to reduce erosion, improve wildlife habitat, protect riverside paths, and help prevent costly downstream sediment build-up. Activities include installing dead hedging, creating natural berms at the toe of the river bank, installing deflectors in the channel to improve the health of the river and removing invasive vegetation. Where to meet: St David's Road, Beckenham BR3 0QY-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;What 3 Words: deflection.fears.skinny-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Google maps: <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/YuWDtxsR1DLCZcuDA" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://maps.app.goo.gl/YuWDtxsR1DLCZcuDA</a>-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nearest station: West Wickham Occasionally the meeting point may change depending on where we are working during the day. You will be notified the day before the event via email where the meeting point will be. What to Bring: Dress for the weather and the task – long trousers and sleeves are advisable as there are nettles and brambles. Please bring a packed lunch and plenty of fluids. We will bring tea/coffee and biscuits. We will provide all other equipment (including wellies) needed for the event and we look forward to welcoming you! Extra Info: Email charlie.southard@thames21.org.uk if you have any questions. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Please make sure you have weather appropriate clothing for the day. Please get in touch if you have any questions about accessibility. We will do our best to make this event as accessible as possible. Please book a place via the booking link on Plinth before attending. This helps me estimate numbers so I can bring enough equipment and PPE, and plan activities appropriately for the group size. If the group size is too big for the resources, equipment and tasks available you may be turned away. This is an event designed for the community to engage the local public with the river and not for corporates. If you are interested in a bespoke corporate volunteer day. Please visit our website&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thames21.org.uk/get-involved-2/corporateteamdays/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.thames21.org.uk/get-involved-2/corporateteamdays/</a>

Woodland in Bromley, managed by idverde. This woodland is part of the river beck project

High Broom Wood

Hello, Thank you for booking a place at our&nbsp;Big&nbsp;Wet&nbsp;Wipe&nbsp;Count&nbsp;on Sunday, 13th September. We’re looking forward to seeing you there.&nbsp;📍 Please note the meeting location:&nbsp;&nbsp;We will meet on the&nbsp;North Side of the Thames, just outside Riverside Studios&nbsp;(Google pin📍&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/44Uzwu9SEhLoqQdn7">here</a>&nbsp;, what3words: ///those.react.salon). The closest Tube station is Hammersmith (approximately 10 minutes' walk). Please be aware that there will be part closures on the District line on Sunday. The nearest toilets are located within Riverside Studios. 🕙 Please arrive by 10:00 am&nbsp;for a complete health and safety briefing. 🧤 We will provide wellies, survey equipment and gloves for you to borrow on Sunday. Please wear weather appropriate&nbsp;clothing that you don’t mind getting muddy! I look forward to seeing you at the Big Wet Wipe Count on Sunday. If you have any queries or if you can no longer attend, please reply to this email. Many thanks and best wishes,Dr Felicity Rhodes (She/Her)Thames Programme ManagerM&nbsp;&nbsp; 07568226230 | W&nbsp;&nbsp; <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://www.thames21.org.uk">www.thames21.org.uk</a>

Help protect the River Thames by measuring the impact of wet wipes deposited on its shores! Join Thames21 to gather crucial data on the wet wipes settling in the Thames by getting down and dirty to count them! Until the Thames Tideway Tunnel was connected up earlier this year, rainfall in central London often caused the sewers to overflow, sending hundreds of thousands of wet wipes into the river where they accumulated on the riverbed. The Big Wet Wipe Count has allowed us to record the scale of the problem, and we are looking for volunteers to continue these surveys, which will now help to assess the impact the tunnel. To assess the scale of the problem and the impact of the tunnel, we are looking for volunteers to survey the wet wipes on the foreshore and record the final number. Children under 16 need to be supervised by an adult. This event is not suitable for children under 10 years old.&nbsp; This is an event designed for the community to engage the local public with the river and not for corporates. If you are interested in a bespoke corporate volunteer day. Please visit our website <a href="https://www.thames21.org.uk/get-involved-2/corporatevolunteering/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">https://www.thames21.org.uk/get-involved-2/corporatevolunteer</a> Location:&nbsp;Hammersmith Bridge – North Side - Meet outside Riverside Studios: 101 Queen Caroline St, London W6 9BN

Riverside Studios 

Join us to bring the Dollis Brook back to life! A total of 10 fun and interactive volunteer events will be held throughout the winter season to restore the Dollis Brook to its former glory. Historic toe-boarding has left Dollis Brook with a uniform channel shape, limiting the number of suitable habitats for wildlife. Our mission is to install woody debris in the channel to create a more diverse flow pattern, improving habitat for fish, invertebrates and other species. This will also help the brook develop a more natural form over time and support the recovery of the riverbanks from the artificial shape imposed upon it. Where to meet: 83 Longland Drive N20 8HH-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;What 3 Words: lift.fumes.cargo (about half way down - look for the Thames 21 van)-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Google maps: <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/sQpbH13bof9xWKae6" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://maps.app.goo.gl/sQpbH13bof9xWKae6</a>-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nearest tube: Totteridge &amp; Whetstone&nbsp; Occasionally the meeting point may change depending on where we are working during the day. You will be notified the day before the event via email where the meeting point will be. What to Bring: Dress for the weather and the task – long trousers and sleeves are advisable as there are nettles and brambles. Please bring a packed lunch and plenty of fluids. We will bring tea/coffee and biscuits. We will provide all other equipment (including waders) needed for the event and we look forward to welcoming you! Extra Info: Email charlie.southard@thames21.org.uk if you have any questions. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Please make sure you have weather appropriate clothing for the day. Please get in touch if you have any questions about accessibility. We will do our best to make this event as accessible as possible. Please book a place via the booking link on Plinth before attending. This helps me estimate numbers so I can bring enough equipment and PPE, and plan activities appropriately for the group size. If the group size is too big for the resources, equipment and tasks available you may be turned away. This is an event designed for the community to engage the local public with the river and not for corporates. If you are interested in a bespoke corporate volunteer day. Please visit our website&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thames21.org.uk/get-involved-2/corporateteamdays/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.thames21.org.uk/get-involved-2/corporateteamdays/</a>

Dollis Brook Revival - River Restoration Project

meet half way down Longland Drive opposite the park entrance inbetween the houses

Dollis Brook - Longland Drive 

Thank you for registering your place at Thames Road Wetland. We will be in touch with further details the week before the event. If after registering, you are unable to attend, please cancel your place so it can go to people on the waiting list. Many thanks :)

Despite its urban surroundings, Thames Road Wetland which sits within the Green Belt, is part of a Site of Metropolitan Importance for Nature Conservation, making it one of the best sites for wildlife in London. It is home to national, London and Bexley rarities including stately MarshSow-thistles, tiny Brookweed, Water Voles and Harvest Mice along with a wide range of invertebrates and birds such as Water Rail, Cetti's and Reed Warblers.Wetlands like this are crucial for biodiversity and play an important role in purifying water, reducing flood risk, and storing carbon.Like other sites in urbanised areas, it lacks the full range of species that would once have helped maintain a balance of wildlife, such as a variety of large herbivores and carnivores. That's where the Thames Road Wetlands group comes in... Whilst a small group, led by volunteer site manager Chris Rose works at the site most weeks, we are now holding larger public volunteer sessions on the 2nd Friday (as much as is possible) of each autumn and winter month and less frequently in spring and summer, with all tools, waders and kit provided. Autumn and winter activities include cutting and removing Reed from shallow areas to maintain open water for birds and dragonflies, sustain a greater variety of plant species and reduce drying out. Also pollarding Sallows (cutting back selected trees and chopping up and stacking the brash), silt removal, occasional path work and some litter picking duties. There is less to do in spring and summer. Reed re-growth needs cutting and removal. Reptile basking sites have to be kept open. Shrub extension growth encroaching on paths needs trimming back. Some selective 'weeding' is carried out around rarer species. Tasks generally require greaterknowledge and/or closer supervision so are easier to manage with fewer and more regular volunte ers. We also need to avoid disturbing breeding birds. We therefore have fewer staffed events at this time of year. Besides supporting the site's wildlife, helping out is a rewarding way to connect with nature and benefit your local community. The August event will include some or all of the following tasks:<ul><li>Raking out the next cut of Reed at the west end.</li><li>Digging out Reed rootmat and silt from north-west corner pool.</li><li>Using pole pruner to cut out Reed/Reedmace stems from main ditch and/or River Wansunt</li><li>Complete the emptying the of road run-off trap. </li></ul>You will need work clothes, adequate sun/rain shower protection and any food and drink required. There are toilet facilities nearby at the council depot which also has a canteen. There are some convenience stores about 10 mins away. Tea, coffee and biscuits are provided. The events start at 10.30am, but please arrive at 10am to get kitted up and briefed at the meeting point, which is by the steps near Thames Road on By-way 105 (what3words location: dome.silly.above) near the bridge where the road crosses the River Cray.Please contact Sam at Samantha.Dhedhi@thames21.org.uk if you have any further questions. Please book your place so we can ensure we have kit for you. Finish time is around 2pm, but feel free to go whenever you need to. Chris Rose. Volunteer Site Manager.

Thames Road Wetland: Help Manage An Important Wetland

Thames Road Wetland

Ock Water Watchers - Citizen Science Data Workshop - Session 1Monday 19th October | 18:00pm - 19:00pm | OnlineJoin us for a special online workshop bringing together the volunteers who have been monitoring water quality across the Ock Catchment over the past two years.As this phase of the project comes to a close, we'll take the opportunity to look back at the data collected by you, explore the patterns and trends emerging from the results, and discuss what they might tell us about the health of the rivers and streams in the Ock Catchment.What to expect at the workshop:<ul><li>Thames21 will lead a session exploring all the data you've collected together. We'll look at what it tells us about pollution in the catchment, identify any pollution hotspots, and highlight areas showing good water quality.</li><li>We'll use these findings to discuss practical actions that could help improve water quality across the catchment.</li><li>There will be time to chat with fellow volunteers and share your experiences of taking part in the monitoring programme.</li><li>Thames21 will finish by running a session to help you build the skills and confidence to continue analysing the data you collect in the future.</li></ul>Whether you've been involved from the beginning or joined more recently, we'd love to hear your thoughts and ideas. This workshop is a chance to celebrate the contribution of our volunteers, share learning from the project, and help shape what comes next.This event is free and will be held online.

Ock Water Watchers - Data Workshop - Session 1

Join us for our Action for Silk Stream monthly volunteering days. They will be held on the last Thursday of each month.&nbsp;We will be in Chandos Park, Edgware this month!&nbsp;Activities include cutting back overgrown vegetation along the river banks and litter picking.&nbsp;Where to meet:Chandos Park - at the Friends hut which is the green metal building next to the nursery in the centre of the park.There is a free car park at this park.Edgware HA8 6BZ&nbsp;What to Bring:Dress for the weather and the task – long trousers and sleeves are advisable as there are nettles and brambles.Please bring a packed lunch and plenty of fluids.We will bring tea/coffee and biscuits.We will provide all other equipment (including wellies) needed for the event and we look forward to welcoming you!&nbsp;Email helen.cardy@thames21.org.uk if you have any questions.Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Please make sure you have weather appropriate clothing for the day.Please get in touch if you have any questions about accessibility. We will do our best to make this event as accessible as possible.&nbsp;This is an event designed for the community to engage the local public with the river and not for corporates. If you are interested in a bespoke corporate volunteer day. Please visit our website&nbsp;&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.thames21.org.uk/get-involved-2/corporateteamdays/">https://www.thames21.org.uk/get-involved-2/corporateteamdays/</a>

Chandos Park

Ock Water Watchers - Citizen Science Data Workshop - Session 2Wednesday 28th October | 12:00pm - 13:00pm | OnlineJoin us for a special online workshop bringing together the volunteers who have been monitoring water quality across the Ock Catchment over the past two years.As this phase of the project comes to a close, we'll take the opportunity to look back at the data collected by you, explore the patterns and trends emerging from the results, and discuss what they might tell us about the health of the rivers and streams in the Ock Catchment.What to expect at the workshop:<ul><li>Thames21 will lead a session exploring all the data you've collected together. We'll look at what it tells us about pollution in the catchment, identify any pollution hotspots, and highlight areas showing good water quality.</li><li>We'll use these findings to discuss practical actions that could help improve water quality across the catchment.</li><li>There will be time to chat with fellow volunteers and share your experiences of taking part in the monitoring programme.</li><li>Thames21 will finish by running a session to help you build the skills and confidence to continue analysing the data you collect in the future.</li></ul>Whether you've been involved from the beginning or joined more recently, we'd love to hear your thoughts and ideas. This workshop is a chance to celebrate the contribution of our volunteers, share learning from the project, and help shape what comes next.This event is free and will be held online.

Ock Water Watchers - Data Workshop - Session 2

Join us for our Action for Silk Stream monthly volunteering days. They will be held on the last Thursday of each month.&nbsp;We will be somewhere in the Silkstream catchment - location to be confirmed nearer the time&nbsp;Activities include cutting back brambles and overgrown vegetation along the river banks and litter picking.&nbsp;Where to meet:TBC&nbsp;What to Bring:Dress for the weather and the task – long trousers and sleeves are advisable as there are nettles and brambles.Please bring a packed lunch and plenty of fluids.We will bring tea/coffee and biscuits.We will provide all other equipment (including wellies) needed for the event and we look forward to welcoming you!&nbsp;Email helen.cardy@thames21.org.uk if you have any questions.Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Please make sure you have weather appropriate clothing for the day.Please get in touch if you have any questions about accessibility. We will do our best to make this event as accessible as possible.&nbsp;This is an event designed for the community to engage the local public with the river and not for corporates. If you are interested in a bespoke corporate volunteer day. Please visit our website&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thames21.org.uk/get-involved-2/corporateteamdays/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: inherit;">https://www.thames21.org.uk/get-involved-2/corporateteamdays/</a>

Action for Silk Stream - River Action Day

Thames21 Limited

Join our MicroPlasticBlitz across the Brent catchment

Ching Action Group Citizen Science MoRPh Training

Action for Silk Stream - River Action Day

Roding Photography Walk and Workshop

Slowing the Flow: Oxleas Woods

Back in Beck - River Restoration Project

Big Wet Wipe Count - Autumn 2026

Dollis Brook Revival - River Restoration Project

Thames Road Wetland: Help Manage An Important Wetland

Ock Water Watchers - Data Workshop - Session 1

Action for Silk Stream River Action Day

Ock Water Watchers - Data Workshop - Session 2

Action for Silk Stream - River Action Day