Thames Strategy: Kew-Chelsea

21/08/2024

Are you undertaking community projects and seeking funding? 🍀

The National Lottery Community Fund is currently offering grants to support projects that benefit local communities and improve the quality of life.

✅ What’s Offered:
Grants of between £300 and £10,000
Funding for up to 12 months
Support for projects that make a difference in local communities

📅 Application Deadlines:
Applications are open year-round, so there’s plenty of time to prepare and submit your proposal.

For more details and to apply, visit the https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/funding/programmes/national-lottery-awards-for-all-england.

14/08/2024

🚧 Safety Upgrades on Wandsworth Thames Path

Starting this spring, Wandsworth Council has begun installing safety measures along the Thames Path National Trail between Wandsworth Bridge and Battersea Park. These changes are aimed at improving pedestrian safety and addressing concerns about speeding cyclists.

What to Expect:

🌿 Planter boxes at three locations
🚧 Rumble strips at ten points
🚶‍♂️ Enhanced signage and larger paving slabs
🛑 Improved navigation around blind corners

These measures follow feedback from residents and advocacy from the Sight Loss Council and are part of ongoing efforts to make the path safer and more user-friendly. E-bike hire companies have also introduced speed restrictions on this stretch.

For further details, please reach out to Wandsworth Council or check their latest updates.



Photo credit: LondonNet

14/08/2024

Become a water vole spotter!

Help us protect water voles and monitor mink in London!

If you spot a water vole or mink by rivers, streams, or wetlands, snap a photo and report it here: https://www.gigl.org.uk/submit-records/watervolerecoveryprogramme/ Your sightings are vital!

ZSL Marine and Freshwater Conservation London Wildlife Trust

31/07/2024

22/07/2024

New Public Spaces Along the Thames

Seven new pocket parks and plazas are opening along the Thames from Putney to Tower Hamlets. These spaces, covering three acres, are part of the £5 billion Thames Tideway tunnel project (Tideway) to reduce sewage flow into the river.

Lead architect Clare Donnelly from Fereday Pollard says, "The Thames is London’s largest open space, and we want people to enjoy it."

The first park launched in Putney last September. Upcoming locations include Chelsea Embankment, featuring artwork and an "intertidal terrace," and sites at Nine Elms, Albert Embankment, Victoria Embankment, Blackfriars Bridge, and King Edward Memorial Park in Tower Hamlets.

For more details, check out the full article here: https://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/tideway-tunnel-thames-sewage-park-london-b1157000.html

Source of the photo: Tideway

17/07/2024

Asda Foundation is offering the Investing in Spaces and Places grant, providing up to £25,000 to support the creation of safe community spaces across the UK (https://asdafoundation.org/our-grants/investing-in-spaces-and-places-grant/). This year, over £1 million in funding is available for groups nationwide. This initiative aims to help communities have a secure place for people to gather. The deadline for the application is 28th of July.

17/07/2024

We are thrilled to announce funding from the Thames Regional Flood & Coastal Committee for the next three year phase of the Joint Thames Strategies Refresh has been released. Delivering in partnership between Thames Landscape Strategy, Thames Estuary Partnership, -strategy-kew-chelsea and collaborating with Environment Agency , this project will deliver a more resilient Thames, from Surrey to the sea, through improved flood risk and landscape management, including environment, recreation, access, heritage and economic growth.

We're excited to build on the past year's progress and carry on our collaborative approach with stakeholders and local communities.

We can't wait to put our shoulder to the wheel.

28/06/2024

Do you need funding for your community projects?

You can apply to the Co-op Community Fund until 7th July. They provide £6,000 in each community area. More information can be found here: https://causes.coop.co.uk/

21/06/2024

Did you know you can be notified via email or phone about potential flooding in your area?

This is a free service provided by the government, offering warnings about flooding from rivers, the sea, or groundwater, depending on your location. Please note that flood warnings for surface water flooding (sometimes known as ‘flash flooding’) are not available through this service.

You can sign up here: https://www.gov.uk/sign-up-for-flood-warnings

24/05/2024

Why is a comprehensive river strategy needed?

Surface flooding is one of London's biggest threats - so what can be done to combat it?

24/05/2024

Future Thames Forum 🍀

This month, the Environment Agency organised a forum about the future of the River Thames. The tidal Thames is our river, stretching from Richmond all the way through central London, to Essex and Kent. Over the years to come, the river level will rise due to climate change, so our riverside will need to change.

A Community Panel, consisting of around 20 people from all walks of life, was brought together to have an honest conversation and find common ground on a specific issue: What do you want the riverside to do for you, as well as protect you from the risk of flooding? This question was posed to gain a better understanding of what matters to people living and working by the Thames.

We are grateful to have a chance to listen to a fruitful discussion about how people want the Thames and the riverside to look in the coming years. The Environment Agency will soon produce a report from this, so stay tuned.

09/05/2024

Thames Barrier Marks 40th Anniversary!

In its 40 years of operation, the Thames Barrier has been closed 221 times to prevent flooding in the capital. Looking ahead, London's flood defence walls will need to be raised by 50cm (20in) to protect against climate change. This adjustment, along with other improvements along the entire river, is planned as part of TE2100.

If you want to stay updated about what is planned for flood protection, give us a follow.

Source of the photo: gov.uk

18/04/2024

2024 Flood & Coast Excellence Awards - Inspiring Projects Tackling Flood Risks 🌊🌍

The award committee has shortlisted projects and innovations aimed at managing flood risk, improving local flood resilience, or adapting to the risks posed by a changing climate. The award is hosted by the Environment Agency, and it will conclude with a conference aimed at assisting the people and places most at risk from flooding and coastal erosion. The conference is scheduled for June.

For further inspiration from the shortlisted projects, please visit the awards webpage: https://www.floodandcoast.com/event/d463b992-4533-4f46-b6b2-4e8d2af8f685/websitePage:c92c36e8-368c-4fe6-a2d3-7a693dd2f19b

CIWEM - The Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management,

12/04/2024

Start your day with the Dawn Chorus at – a morning stroll with the birds, followed by hot drink with breakfast before you head out again for a day of self-guided birdwatching. 🐦

📅 21 April
🕣 5:30am
📍 Admissions entrance

Book now: https://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/london/whats-on/dawn-chorus-24

12/04/2024

🌿Have you visited WWT London Wetland Centre?🦆

Nestled within a picturesque loop of the Thames, London Wetland Centre is an urban oasis for both wildlife and people; a rural idyll nestled in the heart of the capital. Crowned the UK’s Favourite Nature Reserve by readers of Countryfile magazine, it is ideal for a leisurely stroll along the paths that wind through the lakes, meadows, and gardens. The Centre serves as a haven for wild ducks, wading birds, butterflies, bats, amphibians, and water voles. Visitors can also admire a collection of beautiful water birds from around the world and witness the charming antics of the otter family during feeding time.

WWT

Source of the picture: Essential Surrey & SW London

04/04/2024

Are you involved in projects aimed at improving the river environment?🌳🌊

If so, and if you would welcome assistance with sourcing funding, please feel free to get in touch and send us a private message. We would be more than happy to provide advice and support throughout the funding process. When reaching out, please include basic information about the project you have in mind within your message.

27/03/2024

London's super sewer is now fully built.

The 25km tunnel is designed to intercept, store, and ultimately transfer sewage waste away from the River Thames. All six Tunnel Boring Machines have completed their drives, marking the conclusion of the tunnelling phase of the project.

You can find further information on this topic here: https://www.tideway.london/news/press-releases/2024/march/londons-super-sewer-now-fully-built-after-final-lid-lifted-into-place/

Tideway

Source of the map: Wikipedia

22/03/2024

Have you heard about the Thames Path National Trail?🚶‍♂️🌊

The Thames Path is a long-distance walking trail, spanning 185.2 miles along England's most renowned river. While some sections may currently be flooded, the improving weather offers numerous opportunities to either stroll along and discover the magnificent River Thames across its various stretches or participate in volunteering efforts to enhance the river environment.

For further information, please visit: https://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/en_GB/trails/thames-path/

Thames Path National Trail

Source of the map: Contours Walking Holidays

13/03/2024

Are you aged 18-26? Then join The Future Thames Forum and receive £180! Have your say on what an improved riverside could look like. To find out more and sign up: https://shorturl.at/aelv0
Environment Agency

Source of the photo: gov.uk

13/03/2024

Another fantastic agenda of aquatic science talks for the upcoming London Freshwater Group meeting! ➡️ Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/london-freshwater-group-spring-2024-meeting-tickets-857294941247?aff=oddtdtcreator

06/03/2024

Meet like-minded people, clear the towpath of litter and enjoy the fresh air. All equipment provided. End with a coffee at OSO Arts Centre.

03/03/2024

With just three days to go in the River Thames Scheme Statutory Consultation, make sure you have had your say on our plans for flood alleviation, active travel, and biodiversity net-gain.

Responses to the consultation can be submitted in the following ways:

Online feedback form: Hosted on Citizen Space https://orlo.uk/UeasX

Paper feedback form: If you picked up a form at our public consultation events, you will also be able to pick up a stamped addressed envelope. Please send it to: FREEPOST RTUK – RBLY – XUBT, RIVER THAMES SCHEME, 5 First Street, Manchester, M15 4GU

Do you have a query? Feel free to email us [email protected]

28/02/2024

Are you working on projects to enhance the river area and need funding support?

Look no further! Our team can help with finding grants and assisting with the application process. Whether you're planning meaningful activities along the Thames from Kew to Chelsea, we're here to support your vision. Reach out to us for assistance!

21/02/2024

Thames Estuary 2100 Adaptation Pathway Project

This presentation follows on from a general introduction to adaptation pathways. We use a case study to show how the principles introduced in the previous pr...

31/01/2024

🌊 Why do we need river strategies? 🌊

The Thames Estuary is facing an urgent need for action to adapt to climate change. With rising sea levels and the looming threat of tidal flooding from the River Thames, proactive measures are essential to mitigate future risks. As summers grow hotter, the demand for green spaces cooled by river breezes becomes increasingly vital for the well-being of residents and workers. Additionally, well-designed walking and cycling routes along the Thames have the potential to promote sustainable transport, thereby reducing carbon emissions and air pollution.

Throughout the 21st century, the challenges posed by rising sea levels and more frequent storms in the North Sea will continue to escalate. With a growing population and increasing infrastructure, more people and businesses are at risk than ever before.

River strategies are imperative for safeguarding the Thames Estuary against the impacts of climate change, fostering resilience, and promoting sustainable development for future generations.

If you want to stay informed about our strategy update, give us a follow.

Environment Agency

24/01/2024

Embracing the Thames' heritage through lens artistry! 📸🏆 The 2023 The Association of Photographers (AOP) Photography Awards celebrated the River Thames with the remarkable gold prize-winning series by photographer Julia Fullerton-Batten.

Her captivating recreations of historic and cultural scenes along the River Thames stood out among the exceptional entries, earning her the prestigious AOP gold prize. Julia's masterful portrayal beautifully captures the essence and legacy of the Thames, showcasing its rich history through contemporary photography.

This recognition not only applauds Julia's talent but also shines a light on the Thames' enduring allure as a subject for artistic inspiration. Congratulations to Julia Fullerton-Batten for her remarkable achievement in bringing the Thames' heritage to life through her lens! 🌊🌟

Source of the pictures: Julia Fullerton-Batten

Link for the article: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-67016295

17/01/2024

Seeking support for projects or initiatives addressing extreme weather challenges?🌱

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames is offering £30,000 to aid residents, community groups, and local businesses in adapting to a changing climate. The fund supports projects and initiatives benefiting the community in adapting to extreme weather, such as flooding.

Grants of up to £1000 are available for individuals or groups without an organizational bank account, and up to £5000 for those with one.

For inquiries about the funds, contact [email protected] or visit the funds webpage: https://www.richmond.gov.uk/news/press_office/campaigns_and_events/climate_emergency/community_bluescapes/available_funds_bluescapes/community_bluescapes_fund. Let's build a resilient community together!

10/01/2024

Exciting news for London's transportation landscape! 🚢🌉 A proposed 'green' ferry service across the Thames aims to enhance north-south connections by 2026. Three potential routes, operated on a 'turn up and go' basis, are in the works.

Three identified routes for a ferry service across the Thames hold promise for better connectivity and a greener future for East London's transportation network. Stay tuned for updates! 🌍

Read more here: https://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/ferry-service-thames-proposed-north-south-london-connections-b1126658.html

Source of the picture: visitessex.com

04/01/2024

Thames Landscape Strategy Meeting before Christmas 🎄

Thames Landscape Strategy organised a wonderful event for all partners and supporters at the Royal Mid-Surrey Golf Club to inform everybody about the amazing work they did in 2023. They provided updates on the upcoming Joint Thames Strategy Refresh, and we had the opportunity to hear from Steve Colclough about the significance of freshwater tidal rivers.

If you're keen on staying updated about the latest happenings around the River Thames, stay connected.