Thames21 Limited

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. 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

Help us celebrate Barnet Climate Action Week on Sunday 18 October 2026. Join a family arts &amp; crafts event, where we will use natural objects to create unique nature prints. We will also learn about local wildlife, biodiversity, water pollution and flood prevention. Where to meet usWatling Park, Colchester Road entrance Burnt Oak, Barnet London HA8 0QYWhat3Words: ///drop.aware.strikeWhat to expect:Enjoy a short walk along the brook as we collect leaves, twigs, berries and other natural treasures from the riverbanks and surrounding meadows. We'll then use our finds to create beautiful prints using a range of simple techniques, including ink printing, leaf hammering and impressions in air-drying clay.Who is it forThis is a relaxed, outdoor session designed for families with children aged 5–16No prior experience neededChildren must be supervised by a responsible adult at all times.What to bringSuitable outdoor clothing - bring sunscreen / hats, or waterproofs, according to the weatherDrinking water - don't forget to bring a full water bottle!We will provide all equipment.There are no public toilets nearby. There may be customers toilets at cafes/shops in Watling Avenue

Action for Silk Stream - Walk, Gather & Make Nature Prints

Watling Park

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. We will work at Silk Stream Park and adjacent Montrose Park.Activities include cutting back brambles and overgrown vegetation along the river banks and litter picking.&nbsp;Where to meet:Silkstream Park, Edgware HA8 0DF The exact meeting point will be provided via email closer to the event date.&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 claudia.kaplan@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>

Action for Silk Stream - River Action Day

Silkstream park

Help us celebrate Tree Week 2026! Join us in creating labels for the trees in the eastern corner of Chandos Park. These trees were planted in 2024 as part of the park improvement works, which restored the Edgware Brook to a more natural state and created new wetlands to store water after heavy rainfall. Where to meet usChandos Park - Methuen Road EntranceMethuen Road Harrow HA8 6EZ W3W///: danger.bath.boring Google maps: <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/6dHJrdZpfWHQ6T8V9">https://maps.app.goo.gl/6dHJrdZpfWHQ6T8V9</a>What to expect:There are at least 32 trees! We need to identify them, matching them to the plantation's plan. Then we will create labels so that everyone knows what they are! There will be two types of labels: wooden tags, which can be written on and decorated with paint pens, and metal tags, which can be engraved using hammers and metal stamps.Who is it forThis is a relaxed, outdoor session designed for families with children aged 5–16No prior experience neededChildren must be supervised by a responsible adult at all times.What to bring Suitable outdoor clothing - bring warm, waterproof clothing according to the weatherDrinking water - don't forget to bring a full water bottle!We will provide all equipment and materials. There will also be light refreshments, such as tea/coffee, squash/juice and biscuits/fruitsThere are no public toilets at this park

Action for Silk Stream - Tree Labelling at Chandos Park (TBC)

On Join us for a festive nature craft workshop inspired by the River Brent. After a short film screening, create either a Christmas wreath on a wire frame or a woven nature frame made from twigs and string. Using leaves, cones, branches and other natural materials collected from nearby woodlands, you'll craft a unique seasonal decoration to take home. All materials provided. When? 11 December 2026? 1-3pmWhere?Welsh Harp Environmental Education CentreBirchen Grove, London NW9 8RYWhat to expect<ul><li>Watch a short film about the River Brent and local river restoration, as well as the Brent River mythology</li><li>Learn how to create either a festive wreath or a woven nature frame, using natural items collected from the nearby woods.</li><li>Take home your own unique handmade seasonal decoration.</li></ul>Who is it forSuitable for all, with all materials and guidance provided. No prior experience neededWhat to bring We will provide all equipment and materials. There will also be light refreshments, such as tea/coffee, squash/juice and biscuits/fruits

Action for Silk Stream - Nature Workshop: Make a Winter Frame or Wreath (TBC)

Welsh Harp Environmental Educational Centre (WHEEC)

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 getting this space ready for deep winter.Activities include litter picking, vegetation management and dead-hedge maintenance&nbsp;Where to meet:Watling Park, Barnet, HA8 0RWMeet up near the entrance by Abbots RoadWhat3words: ///shovels.locked.cheekNearest 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 needed for the event and we look forward to welcoming you!&nbsp;Email claudia.kaplan@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>

Action for Silk Stream  - River Action Day 

Thames21 Limited

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

Action for Silk Stream - Walk, Gather & Make Nature Prints

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

Action for Silk Stream - Tree Labelling at Chandos Park (TBC)

Action for Silk Stream - Nature Workshop: Make a Winter Frame or Wreath (TBC)

Action for Silk Stream - River Action Day