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. This August session will include all or some 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

Thames21 Limited

Thank you for volunteering! I will be sending out more details nearer the time.

Join us for free our Action for Silk Stream monthly volunteering days. We will be at Silk Stream Park in Barnet where we will be giving this space a spring clean!&nbsp;Activities include balsam bashing and litter picking!Balsam is an invasive plant that we don't want to see growing along our riverbanks. The best and easiest way to remove it is by pulling it out by hand. It's easy to spot and easy to pull out. We guarantee that by the end of the day, you will be an expert in this activity!! No previous experience necessary!&nbsp;Where to meet:Silkstream Park, Edgware HA8 0DF What3words: ///skirt.achieving.pushed Nearest tube: Burnt Oak (northern line) Nearest toilets are at Burnt Oak library by the tube station or in Montrose Park (Brews and Views cafe)&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! Email&nbsp;helen.cardy@thames21.org.uk&nbsp;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>

Silkstream park

Thames21 is working to restore Chiswick Eyot. Information about the day:<ul><li>Volunteer and help us to stabilise the island from further erosion and enhance the island for wildlife</li><li>Tasks include repairing the banks using willow spiling techniques, marginal planting, scrub removal, tree pruning, litter clearance and invasive plant removal</li><li>All welcome, all equipment provided, just wear old clothes and bring lots of enthusiasm.&nbsp;</li></ul> <ul><li>Address: Chiswick Eyot, London W4 2PR</li></ul> Contact Vic if you have any questions.vic.richardson@thames21.org.uk07973 442219

Chiswick Eyot

Action for Silk Stream - Family Nature Walk & Pond-Dipping 

Stanmore Little Common

Thank you for your interest in becoming an Urban Riverfly Monitor! For more information about the Urban Riverfly scheme, which was developed by the Riverfly Partnership, please click <a href="https://www.riverflies.org/urban-riverfly" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>. Date: Tuesday 18th August 2026Venue: Hanwell Methodist Church - The Middle Hall, 16 Church Rd, London W7 1DJ, LondonTimings: 09:30 – 16:30 (more details are in the table below).Please note, timings are slightly flexible, so we may finish slightly earlier or later than 16:30.&nbsp;Structure of the day:09:30 – Arrivals, registration and refreshments09:45 – Introductions, health &amp; safety and biosecurity10:15 – Introduction to Riverfly monitoring (RMI)10:45 – Break (tea/coffee)11:00 – Target groups: identification, life history &amp; ecology11:45 – RMI fieldwork – theory12:15 – Lunch break12:45 – RMI fieldwork – practical session in the River Brent15:15 – Clean equipment and kit15:45 – ID quiz (back inside the pavilion)16:00 – Online database and RMI in practice16:15 – Questions and feedback16:30 – Finish &nbsp;Lunch:&nbsp;Please bring your own lunch with you.&nbsp;Clothing:&nbsp;Please dress appropriately for the weather: If there is rain in the forecast, bring a raincoat. In general for riverfly monitoring, please wear long trousers and wear or bring a long-sleeved top/fleece/jumper to protect yourself from nettles or giant hogweed. Please also wear sturdy shoes for the walk to the site for the practical session.&nbsp;Waders:&nbsp;Please fill in the waders section in the sign-up form, so I know your shoe size and can make sure I bring enough waders to fit everyone. I won't be able to let you keep these waders, unfortunately - they will just be loaned to you for the training day. Also, please let us know if you are going to bring your own waders.&nbsp;&nbsp;Equipment:&nbsp;All equipment for the RMI practical fieldwork will be provided on the day - I will give you/the person representing your group your monitoring kit to take home with you. This kit includes: a large net (approximately 1.5m tall so I would advise not cycling if you are the designated person in your group who is taking the net home), a 16 litre bucket, a large white tray, a nine-section divided tray, a large pipette, a couple of small pipettes, a couple of plastic spoons, a magnifying glass and a paintbrush. Under 18s: Please note, if you are under the age of 18, you must be accompanied by a legal parent or guardian in order to attend. More information, including finalised timings, will be sent out to you closer to the date. Let me know if you have any questions send us an email at citizenscience@thames21.org.uk

Urban Riverfly Training on the River Brent  

Hanwell Methodist Church

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.

Location: Salisbury House, Bury St W, London N9 9LADate: 25th August 2026Time: 10:00 - 16:30Contact: Toby Dighero (toby.dighero@thames21.org.uk) Join us at <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Salisbury+House,+Bury+St+W,+London+N9+9LA/@51.6336587,-0.0771464,675m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x48761edc591300d3:0x9cae9d7ec5cdcdf!8m2!3d51.6336587!4d-0.0745715!16s%2Fg%2F1thg9yq7?entry=ttu&amp;g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDcyMi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Salisbury House</a> on Tuesday 25th August 2026 for our Citizen Science Water Quality Monitoring Training Course developed through the <a href="https://www.thames21.org.uk/connecting-communities/empower-rivers/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">EMPOWER Rivers Project</a>. This is a 1-day course starting at 10.00am and finishing at 4.30pm. The course consists of a morning session, followed by a lunch break, a practical session where you will get to use some of the water quality monitoring kit, and then a final session back inside. Topics covered will include: <ul><li>The multiple pressures impacting London's rivers</li><li>The different types of pollution</li><li>The importance of citizen science in monitoring water quality</li><li>The various water quality monitoring methodologies available and their purposes</li><li>The kit we offer and how to use it</li><li>Health and safety protocols</li><li>Where and how to upload your data</li><li>What the impact from your data will be</li></ul> Before signing up, please note that we can provide water quality monitoring kit at the end of the day for you to carry out regular monitoring at a location near you in the London Lea Catchment. This monitoring will be expected to be carried out at least once a month - if you can't stick to this then we may request that you return the equipment to us so we can give it to someone else as we get a lot of requests from people! More information, including finalised timings, will be sent out to you closer to the date. If this all sounds good to you, please sign up as soon as possible as places are limited! If you don't manage to get a space on the course, we will be running more sessions so keep an eye out on our <a href="https://www.thames21.org.uk/events/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">Events webpage</a>.

Become an AquaTracker: Water Quality Monitoring Course (Salmons Brook)

Salisbury House

Thank you for booking your place. An email with detailed event info will be sent to you the week of the event. If you have any questions please email samantha.dhedhi@thames21.org.uk

Join us at the beautiful <a href="https://www.footscraymeadows.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Foots Cray Meadows</a> by the historic Five Arch Bridge to help manage the reed beds on the River Cray. Immediately downstream from Five Arch Bridge is a reed bed that several years ago was non-existent. It reached the point where it was completely as wide as the river and became an obstruction. It is regularly thinned out, however we intend to remove a section of it between 4 and 5 metres wide and about 30 metres long by digging / pulling out the rhizome roots.&nbsp;The reed mat takes a little bit of effort to dig out, hence the need for a reasonable level of fitness. Also some help is needed to move the cut material back from the bank. We will meet at the Foots Cray Meadows Information Centre (<a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/vPbbMRothX58cDfH7" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://maps.app.goo.gl/vPbbMRothX58cDfH7</a>), (What3words location: wasp.grace.depend) at 10:00am for kit and waders and return there between 12:30pm and 1:00pm for refreshments. The work will be carried out standing in the river with waders on. Waders and all tools ad PPE will be provided. Refreshments will be served after the event. This is event is being run with the Cray River Action Group (CRAG) at Foots Cray Meadows. 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; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">https://www.thames21.org.uk/get-involved-2/corporateteamdays/</a>

Foots Cray Meadows - Managing the Reed Bed

Foots Cray Meadows

Thank you for booking! We will send you more details nearer the time.

Join us for free our Action for Silk Stream monthly volunteering days. We will be at Rushgrove Park in Barnet where we will be giving this space a spring clean!&nbsp;Activities include balsam bashing and litter picking!Balsam is an invasive plant that we don't want to see growing along our riverbanks. The best and easiest way to remove it is by pulling it out by hand. It's easy to spot and easy to pull out. We guarantee that by the end of the day, you will be an expert in this activity!! No previous experience necessary!&nbsp;Where to meet:Rushgrove Park, Barnet, NW9 6RD What3words: //////snows.divisions.steer Nearest tube: Colindale (northern line) Note - There are no toilets on site.Nearest toilets will be near the tube station at Costa Coffee. 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! Email&nbsp;helen.cardy@thames21.org.uk&nbsp;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>

Rushgrove Park

Do you want to help keep the River Thames clean and healthy? Join us for a bank holiday weekend clean up on the foreshore at Newcastle Draw Dock on the Isle of Dogs (E14 3BJ) on the morning of Sunday 30th August for a community river clean-up. There will also be<ul><li>Beach exploration</li><li>A chance to socialise and enjoy the riverside and foreshore at low tide</li></ul> This will be a fun, relaxed event and everyone is welcome to come learn, explore and enjoy! We will be providing all necessary equipment, and wellies to borrow with some light refreshments (snacks, teas and coffees) to keep you energised. <ul><li>📅 Date: Sunday 30 August</li><li>⏰ Time: 10am-12pm</li><li>📍 Location: Newcastle Draw Dock Foreshore, Saunders Ness Road, Isle of Dogs, London (E14 3BJ)</li></ul> If you have any queries, please contact matt.dawson@thames21.org.uk

Newcastle Drawdock

Join us for a bat walk at Chandos Park, 166a Camrose Avenue, Edgware, HA8 6RG Meet us at 7:30pm and we will have a walk around the park and along the Edgware Brook, and see if we can spot the bats coming out to feed at dusk. This event is free and suitable for all ages. We have a few bat detectors to share around to see if we can hear any bat activity. Please dress for the weather and wear sturdy walking shoes or trainers. Remember to also bring a full water bottle

Action for Silk Stream - Bat Walk at Chandos Park

Chandos Park

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

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">https://www.thames21.org.uk/get-involved-2/corporateteamdays/</a>

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

Action for Silk Stream River Action Day

Chiswick Eyot Conservation

Action for Silk Stream - Family Nature Walk & Pond-Dipping

Urban Riverfly Training on the River Brent

Thames Road Wetland: Help Manage An Important Wetland

Become an AquaTracker: Water Quality Monitoring Course (Salmons Brook)

Foots Cray Meadows - Managing the Reed Bed

Action for Silk Stream Volunteer Day

Isle of Dogs River Beach Clean Up

Action for Silk Stream - Bat Walk at Chandos Park

Action for Silk Stream - River Action Day

Action for Silk Stream River Action Day

Action for Silk Stream - River Action Day